. . . And a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS). Motorcycle racer Chip Yates’ electric superbike, built for the TTXGP and FIM ePower electric-motorcycle grand-prix race, packs some serious charge. Its UQM Powerphase 145 motor puts out 194 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. From zero RPM. Yates built the bike with his own cash, calling on the expertise of engineers from the Swingz.com Pro Racing USA team. He started with a Suzuki GSX-R750 frame, then developed a KERS system mounted in the front hub and forks. The system turns braking energy into electrical energy, allowing Yates to run a smaller battery pack in his bike. The 11-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer prismatic cell battery is good for about 25 miles at full power. Not much for commuters, but good enough to win the race. But despite the battery’s smaller-than-normal size, it still weighs 175 pounds. The whole bike, including a wicked-looking battery and motor cooling system, weighs a hefty 585 pounds. Still, Yates hopes the KERS system will give him the boost he needs to triumph at the track. Hit the jump for a video of Yates and his teammates explaining their shocking superbike.
Source: Wired