The power reserve is the main problem of electric transport, and the Ethec project can solve it. 400+ km of power reserve is more than enough for most motorcycles. Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. In real conditions, the power reserve is very difficult to be increased. Everything depends on the size of the batteries and their weight. Some manufacturers of serial models have achieved some balance, but the battery technology is developing too slowly for rapid progress.

Students at the University of Zurich in Switzerland developed a prototype of an electric motorcycle with a power reserve of 400+ km. In addition to increased autonomy, there is also a special quick-charge system (it can be fully recharged in about an hour).

Students specializing in mechanics and one electrical engineer worked on the novelty, that’s why the appearance is so futuristic. The electric motor is powered by a 15 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The students conducted a study and concluded that the front brakes dispel about 75 percent of the energy, so an electric motor was installed on the front wheel, responsible for the recovery of kinetic energy during braking.

The engine is cooled by the thermoelectric system, and the batteries have oil cooling. The prototype is equipped with a seven-inch sensor. The rest of the design is quite traditional: a lightweight tubular frame, a swingarm and a trapezoidal plug in front.

There is no information yet about its production.