The modular and lightweight design of the powertrain allows for a first-class driving experience
“After the first ride I was convinced that electric motorcycles should be a good deal. The bike gives you a sensation of limitless torque, without vibrations, without noise and without heat: it is almost a magical sensation”.
That was the experience of Richard Hatfield, founder and CEO of Lightning Motorcycles Corporation, which now holds the land speed record for electric motorcycles, exceeding 215 mph (345 km/h). This San Carlos (California) company was founded in 2007, a few blocks from another pioneer in electric vehicles: Tesla.
Lightning breaks land speed record
After getting his start in the world of electric vehicles in the late 90s with the development of an electric Porsche, Hatfield, a lifelong biker, set out to create a motorcycle that would take advantage of the same technology. After developing the first prototypes with his original electric motorcycle design, Hatfield equipped his next motorcycle with a Tesla motor and Lightning was born.
“We took it to the Bonneville Salt Flats and broke the speed record that had been held for 35 years,” says Hatfield. “We still hold the Bonneville record – 215,962 mph confirmed by the SCTA (Southern California Timing Association) – plus 211,7 on the dry part of El Mirage Lake.”
Perfecting a world-class electric driving experience with power modules
The next challenges were autonomy and charging time. Today, Lightning's best bikes go over 170 miles (273 km) and can recharge to 80% in 10 minutes.
As Lightning motorcycles became more sophisticated, the built-in electronics demanded more power, but not weight. Managing electrical noise in a compact and lightweight vehicle is always a challenge. Lightning has adopted Vicor's DCM4623 DC-DC converter in all of its products, to power the 12V control electronics, lighting system, dash instrumentation, and sensors. A decision Hatfield attributed to its superior reliability, low noise level, power density, and superior thermal management.
Balance between speed and performance
For Hatfield, although records are important, what is most satisfying is the experience of riding an electric motorcycle.
"It's a more advanced feeling," he says. "You don't need a transmission, you don't have to change gears, and you have unlimited torque across the entire power band."
DCM™ is a trademark of Vicor Corporation.
