DESIGN NAME: XP Zero
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Electric Motorcycle
INSPIRATION: The XP Zero was designed by imagining an alternate reality in which motorcycles have always been electric. The XP asks what an electric motorcycle would look like today with 135 years of development. Traditional motorcycle design is driven by the physical constraints of the combustion engine. With the introduction of electric, those limitations disappear. The XP rethinks the motorcycle by taking a first-principles approach and creating an entirely new design language for electric motorcycles.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The XP Zero is a new type of motorcycle, one that discards conventions and defies expectations. Developed without compromise and built with precision, the XP combines cutting-edge design with state-of-the-art technology.
The XP Zero doesn’t look like a conventional motorcycle because it isn’t one. The XP produces twice the torque of a superbike, delivered linearly and without gears. The XP’s individualized ride modes transform the XP from a cruiser on the motorway to a supermoto in the twisties.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The XP’s design language is centred around the idea of control surfaces - both human and machine. The XP’s powertrain - a machined aerospace aluminum core housing the batteries, motor, charger, and other control components - also incorporates the seat. The rider sits astride the powertrain, while aerodynamic panels direct airflow over the motor. When approached, the motorcycle recognizes its rider, illuminates its lights and panels, and becomes 'alive'.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The XP project was initiated in October 2018 and completed, 9 months later, in June 2019. The XP Zero debuted at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2019. It has been exhibited at EICMA in Milan, and at the One Moto Show in Portland USA. In 2020 it will be showcased at the Moto MMXX exhibition.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Machined aluminium seat shell, nose, bellypan.
Machined aluminium fork brackets, integrated speed display.
Machined aluminium handlebars, internal electronic throttle.
Machined aluminum footrests, ABS heel guards, polycarbonate edges.
Welded tubular steel spaceframe.
ABS polymer body panels, polycarbonate edges.
ABS tank nacelle, acrylic lens, TFT display.
Cast alloy wheels, ABS/aluminium covers.
82kW electric motor, clutchless direct drive.
14.4kWh Li-ion powerpack.
3.0kW onboard charger.
Keyless RFID ignition.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Length: 2040mm.
Width: 680mm.
Height: 980mm.
Seat: 760mm.
Weight: 218kg.
Range: 175-260km.
Speed: 200kmh.
Acceleration: 0-100kmh 1.6 seconds, 0-200kmh 7 seconds.
Power: 110hp / 190Nm torque.
TAGS: xp, xpzero, zeroxp, electric, motorcycle, electricmotorcycle, emoto, moto
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The 2020s will be regarded as the moment when the electric motorcycle industry came of age. In many ways, the situation with electric motorcycles is similar to the dawn of combustion motorcycles in the 1880s when there was an incredible explosion of novel ideas and forms. With this new electric technology, many of the traditional design solutions created in response to combustion technology are no longer relevant. This is an unique opportunity to completely rethink the inherited status quo.
CHALLENGE: The motorcycle industry is struggling with an ageing audience and plateauing sales. Electric motorcycles can reinvent the category and rescue the industry. Traditional motorcycle companies associate this new technology with familiar tropes. But this prevents existing motorcyclists from exploring electric, and drives away new riders who are repelled by traditional motorcycle values. To appeal to new audiences, electric motorcycles must set themselves apart from traditional combustion designs.
ADDED DATE: 2020-06-29 21:04:14
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Design Director: Hugo Eccles
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Ludovic Robert, XP Zero, 2019.
Image #2: Photographer Aaron Brimhall, XP Zero, 2019.
Image #3: Photographer Aaron Brimhall, XP Zero, 2019.
Image #4: Photographer Aaron Brimhall, XP Zero, 2019.
Image #5: Photographer Aaron Brimhall, XP Zero, 2019.
Video: Videographer Michael Larsen, XP Zero, 2019.
PDF: Hugo Eccles, Untitled Motorcycles, 2020.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Copyright Hugo Eccles, Untitled Motorcycles, 2019.
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