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Storm Pulse: the all-electric touring bike

Dutch students unveil groundbreaking electric-powered Storm Pulse experimental touring bike.

BvOF 2015_0923_FQ license TUe - STORM electric motorcycle 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. BvOF 2015_0920_GM STORM electric motorcycle 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. BvOF 2015_0923_AE license TUe STORM electric motorcycle 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. BvOF 2015_0920_HX STORM electric motorcycle 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. BvOF 2015_0923_GA license TUe STORM electric motorcycle 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. BvOF 2015_0920_JF STORM electric motorcycle 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. BvOF 2015_0920_HT STORM electric motorcycle 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

Co-founder of Bikes Republic and a motoring journalist by night. He is a self described enthusiasts with a passion for speed but instead rides a Harley and a J300. A man of contradictions, he is just as passionate about time off in the quiets as he is about trail braking into turn one at Sepang Circuit on two or four wheels.

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