UK Leads the Way with Electric Bike Launch
The TTXGP, organisers of the world’s first clean-emission Grand Prix, are to launch a new electric racer, the TTX01, at the 2008 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC. The TTX01 aims to be the fastest, road-legal emission-free bike in Europe. It is capable of reaching speeds of 125mph and can comfortably cruise for 30 miles at a speed of 100 mph.
The bike has been built exclusively in the UK and highlights the advancements being made by British clean-tech engineers. Following extensive testing, a further fifty bikes are due to be produced in 2009. TTXGP also plans to showcase the bike in a six-city European tour next year, designed to raise awareness of advantages in green motoring, powered by British design and engineering.
The TTX01 is being launched to showcase the type of bike spectators can expect to see in next year’s TTXGP race, which will take place on June 12, 2009 on the Isle of Man TT circuit in the UK, one of the most gruelling road-race circuits in the world.
The TTXGP will provide an international platform for clean-emission bikes and the technology behind them to be tested in an exciting and challenging way. It aims to drive low-carbon technological innovation forward, proving that clean-emission transport technologies have matured and can be fun, fast and exciting.
Whilst the TTX01 will not be entering the 2009 race, over 50 teams are already registered to compete in the clean-emission Grand Prix on the prestigious Isle of Man TT circuit. The TTXGP will showcase a variety of clean-emission bikes developed and backed by professional racing teams, universities, vehicle manufacturers, technology companies and amateur enthusiasts.
Azhar Hussain, founder of the TTXGP, commented: "Nothing drives innovation like competition, which is why we have created the TTXGP. The TTXGP is here to provide a global platform for the rise of the next generation of motorsport giants. Entrants into the TTXGP are not restricted by legacy technologies, business models and mindsets. The TTXGP offers new thinking a chance to prove itself in open competition."
TTXGP is supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the UK Government's international business development organisation, as part of its commitment to foster innovation and promote excellence in the UK engineering and clean-tech industries.
UKTI Chief Executive Andrew Cahn commented: "The TTXGP is an excellent example of the innovative ways in which UK companies are meeting the challenge of protecting the environment whilst driving technical and business innovation. We have a deep heritage of advanced engineering in this country and this is set to be a key area of growth in the future. UKTI is committed to nurturing this growth and enabling the UK to compete effectively on the international stage. We are delighted to support this important innovation."
The TTXGP carries specially prepared motors with Kevlar reinforced armature to withstand high RPM’s through rapid spin cycles. Each motor can take 500A each, giving some 125 NM torque at the output, with a further 4:1 reduction to the rear wheel. All this packaged into 2 x 11kg packages.
New battery design means that there is no voltage sag allowing the power to be fed at a constant rate throughout the lifecycle of the journey. Recharge times are as quick as 15 minutes given a high current charger. With 3000 usage cycles expected, on a 50 mile range pack this gives an estimated range of at least 150,000 miles before battery capacity drops to 80% of original. Battery packs with all electronics weigh in at 75KG.