Dutch students unveil groundbreaking electric-powered Storm Pulse experimental touring bike.
When it comes to making electric vehicles, be it two- or four-wheels, the one constant issue here is range. As cool as they are, electric powertrains are bogged down by limited range as far as present tech levels are concerned. However, a recent development by a group of Dutch students from the Eindhoven University of Technology is hoping to change that. Meet their creation, the Storm Pulse experimental electric touring bike. According to its creators, the Storm Pulse has a claimed maximum travel range of 236 miles (approx. 380 kilometres) on a single charge. In comparison, that’s nearly two-and-a-half times that of the Harley-Davidson Project Livewire demonstrator that we test-rode earlier this year, and just 25 miles (approx. 40km) short of the groundbreaking Tesla Model S electric car’s maximum range. The Storm Pulse’s long distance ability was made possible thanks to the adoption of a 24-cartridge battery pack rated at 28.5kWh. Stacked below a faux tank where the engine is traditionally mounted, the battery pack can be recharged up to 80% in just 38 minutes according to the Storm Pulse’s creators. The electric motor generates 35Kw, which equates to approximately 47hp, and is capable of propelling the Storm Pulse’s claimed weight of 340kg up to speeds rapidly. The 0–100km/h sprint takes just 5 seconds whilst top speed has been claimed at 100mph, or approximately 160km/h. Should 340kg sound a little too heavy, each of the battery pack’s 24 cartridges can be removed individually to reduce weight further for a much sportier ride, but that comes at the price of shortening the distance of course. Other notable details of the Stom Pulse include the bike’s specially designed aluminum frame, Hossack forks and custom shocks. The Dutch university students behind the Storm Pulse project are set to put the prototype through its paces soon. One of the planned trials include an ambitious 80-day ride around the world as well. You can check out more and follow the progress of the Storm Pulse via its creators’ official site, www.storm-eindhoven.com. Now this is one student project that deserves more than just an A+ credit rating!
Sources: Storm Eindhoven / Visordown / Business Insider Australia