University of South Wales Feasibility Study into the Market and Developing Technologies of Electric Motorbikes BSc Mechanical Engineering Daniel Horwood 10026312 Acknowledgements In producing this work I would like to thank my supervisor, Ewen Constant for his invaluable advice at our frequent meetings and steering me in the right direction. Even times when this report was discussed very little, I appreciated the opportunity to chat, decompress and to query any aspects of my final year of study with him, which enabled a much smoother experience through my studies. Ted Dillard for granting permission to use his material and any party that contributed to the publication of his most revered work, ‘Power in Flux – The History of Electric Motorcycles.’ This proved to be a fascinating and invaluable resource, opening up the world of the electric motorbike, kick starting this project and maintaining the pursuit of research throughout. His enthusiasm for the subject has prompted an insatiable desire to purchase an electric motorbike. My partner Bethan Sims, (who I know would likely dispute this desire) who has shown me unwavering levels of support from the moment I decided to return to university three years ago, and reached new heights of patience by allowing me to repeatedly seclude myself so I could accomplish this report. Mum, Beverley Horwood for her constant encouragement through my time at university and wholesome support at home. Her personal advice and all-encompassing willingness to help however possible is appreciated more than she knows. I know she is immensely proud. Finally, thanks to Peter Henshaw for putting me in touch with Stevie Muir and subsequently Heather Brown, of the MCIA who provided data contributing to the final section of this report. I Abstract This report focuses on three main areas of the electric motorcycle in an attempt to determine its feasibility. The current market availability indicates 26 individual manufacturers of varying size that produce electric motorcycles of equally varied design. Zero, Energica and BMW Motorrad’s C-Evolution is discussed in detail including specification of all models available from these manufacturers. The developing technologies are also discussed in depth and key developments of crucial components are identified to highlight the improving feasibility over time. Finally the electric motorcycle market is discussed on a national, continental and global scale in an effort to illustrate past, present and future trends. It shows that in all these areas the market will expand as expected but gradually. Consumers are apprehensive about range, infrastructural support and price. Government Incentives are identified as the most crucial tool for initiating a larger uptake of not just electric motorcycles but all EVs. An analysis of the data showed that electric scooters will dominate the forthcoming sales majority because of their affordability and portability in urban areas. Electric motorcycles are not popular enough to become a feasible means of travel, despite the established manufacturers efforts due to their currently high prices and mind set of riders that require extra mileage. Feasibility is concluded to be challenging in the future but an inevitability due to the attitudes towards climate change and zero emissions transport. II Contents Page Section : Title Page Number: 1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................. 1 1.1 Background Theory .......................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Brief History ...................................................................................................................... 3 1.2.1 – Summary................................................................................................................. 3 1.2.2 – Timeline .................................................................................................................. 3 1.3 Literature Review ............................................................................................................. 5 1.4 Research Methodology .................................................................................................... 7 2.0 Current Market Analysis ........................................................................... 8 2.1 Typical Design layout ........................................................................................................ 9 2.2 Zero motorcycles ............................................................................................................ 11 2.2.1 – Zero SR .................................................................................................................. 12 2.2.2 – FX/FXS ................................................................................................................... 13 2.2.3 – DSR........................................................................................................................ 13 2.3 BMW ............................................................................................................................... 14 2.3.1 – C-Evolution ........................................................................................................... 14 2.4 Energica .......................................................................................................................... 15 2.4.1 – Eva ........................................................................................................................ 16 2.4.2 – Ego ........................................................................................................................ 16 2.4.3 – Esseesse9 .............................................................................................................. 17 2.5 Failed Projects ................................................................................................................ 18 2.5.1 – Vectrix ................................................................................................................... 18 2.5.2 – Vigo ....................................................................................................................... 19 2.6 EV-MC Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 19 3.0 Developing Technologies ......................................................................... 20 3.1 Battery Technology ........................................................................................................ 21 3.1.1 – Nickel-Metal Hydride............................................................................................ 22 III 3.1.2 – Lithium-Ion ........................................................................................................... 23 3.1.3 – Lithium Polymer ................................................................................................... 24 3.1.4 – Lithim-Sulfur ......................................................................................................... 25 3.1.5 – Giga Factory .......................................................................................................... 26 3.2 Motor Types ................................................................................................................... 27 3.2.1 – DC Motor .............................................................................................................. 28 3.2.2 – PMAC Motor ......................................................................................................... 28 3.2.3 – PMAC Motor Developments ................................................................................ 29 3.2.4 – Electric Motor Transmissions ............................................................................... 31 3.3 Regenerative Braking (KERS) .......................................................................................... 32 3.4 Infrastructure Advancements ........................................................................................ 34 3.4.1 – Charging Point Distribution .................................................................................. 34 3.4.2 – Gogoro Scheme .................................................................................................... 36 4.0 Previous, Current & Future Market .......................................................... 39 4.1 South East Asian Market ................................................................................................ 39 4.2 Chinese Market .............................................................................................................. 41 4.3 Global Market (Marketing Reports) ............................................................................... 43 4.4 Statistical Analysis of GOV.uk & MCIA Data ................................................................... 46 4.4.1 – GOV.UK ................................................................................................................. 47 4.4.2 – MCIA ..................................................................................................................... 49 5.0 Conclusion ............................................................................................... 52 5.1 Summary ........................................................................................................................ 52 5.2 Recommendations for Future Study .............................................................................