Vectrix

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Vectrix electric scooter


aka =
manufacturer = Vectrix
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class = Electric scooter
engine = Brushless DC motor
top_speed = Auto kmh|100
power = Convert|20.2|kW|hp|abbr=on peak; Convert|7|kW|hp|abbr=on continuous
torque = Convert|65|Nm|lbft|abbr=on
transmission = Rear wheel planetary gear drive
suspension =
brakes = Front and rear Brembo disc
tires = Front: 120/70 14
Rear: 140/60 13
rake_trail =
wheelbase = Auto mm|1525
length=
width=
height=
seat_height = Auto mm|770
dry_weight = Auto kg|210
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity = 3.7 kWh NiMH
related =

Vectrix is an electric vehicle company based in Middletown, Rhode Island, United States, with research and development facilities in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Its vehicles are assembled in Wrocław, Poland. [cite web|url=http://investors.vectrix.com/vectrix/company/|title=Company Background|publisher=Vectrix Corp.|accessdate=2007-12-16]

cooters

The "Vectrix" is a Maxi size scooter, and is the first commercially available high performance electric scooter.cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/living/motoring/features/article1206615.ece|author=Susie Mesure|title=Vectrix electric scooter: Power to the planet |date=1 August 2006|publisher=The Independent|accessdate=2007-12-16] It is capable of over convert|60|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on and convert|50|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on is reached in a little under 7 seconds, with maximum torque available from 0 revs, a characteristic of electric motors. It has under 250 parts, compared with 2500 for a conventionally powered scooter, and has a range of up to convert|65|mi|km|0 miles at convert|25|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on.

In the United Kingdom, the Vectrix is exempt from paying Road Tax. [cite web|url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/TaxationClasses/DG_4022042|title=UK Road Tax Exemptions|publisher=UK government]

The Vectrix scooter uses NiMH batteries with a manufacturer-claimed life of 10 years and 1500 recharges. [cite web|url=http://www.greenermachine.com/index.php?pOption=post&pPostId=36|publisher=Greener Machine|title=Rated—Vectrix Electric Scooter|date=June 1, 2007|accessdate=2007-12-16] The 125 volt battery pack has a capacity of 3.7 kW·h and can be recharged to 80% in two hours from a standard domestic power socket. The battery can also be partially recharged through regenerative braking. [cite web | url= http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/features/article1744354.ece | work= The Times | title= New Vectrix could break new ground for commuters | date= 4 May 2007 | accessdate= 2007-12-17] Replacement cost of the battery is estimated to be around $3,000, almost one third of the cost of the bike.

pecifications

Concept vehicles

Vectrix showed a auto mph|125|adj=on superbike concept vehicle at the 2007 Milan motorcycle show, to be produced if 500 deposits were received. [cite news|url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/videos/2007/November/nov0707vectrixelectricsuperbikevideo/|publisher =Motorcycle News|title=Milan show: Vectrix 125mph electric superbike concept |author=Angus Farquhar|date=November 7, 2007|accessdate=2007-12-16]

In 2008, Vectrix announced a 3 wheel version of the Vectrix Maxi scooter. [cite news|url=http://videos.howstuffworks.com/podtech-networks/4795-vectrix-electric-3-wheeler-video.htm |title=Vectrix Electric 3-Wheeler |publisher=How Stuff Works|date=23 July 2008]

Lithium Ion

Vectrix has recently announced its planning and testing Lithium Ion battery packs based on lithium iron phosphate battery technology, in an agreement with GP Batteries International Limited (GP Batteries) of Singapore, to be delivered before the end of 2008. [cite web|url=http://investors.vectrix.com/vectrix/rns/rnsitem?t=popup&id=1214805761nRn1d8036X|title=REG-Vectrix Corporation Interim Results - Part 1|date=June 30, 2008]

NYPD purchase

The New York City Police Department announced in December 2007 that it will be testing vehicles from Vectrix with the goal of replacing its current gasoline-powered scooters. [cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/12/26/nypd.green.ap/index.html|title=NYPD to road test electric scooters|publisher=Associated Press|date=December 26, 2007|accessdate=2007-12-27] [cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8TLD0T00.htm|title=NYPD tests Vectrix electric scooters|author=Tom Hays|publisher=BusinessWeek|date=December 20, 2007|accessdate=2007-12-27]

Transport Canada Purchase

The Government of Canada purchased in August of 2008 a vehicle from Vectrix with the goal of testing and evaluating a fully electric compliant open motorcycle's energy consumption, range, and additional road testing parameters. This environmental initiative is part of Transport Canada’s ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles program.

References

External links

* [http://www.vectrix.com/ Official website] Note: most content is not visible in most browsers
* [http://www.vectrix.co.uk/ Official UK website] Note: most content is not visible in most browsers