Clutch for e-motorcycles filed by ZERO
ZERO Motorcycles – a US-based manufacturer of electric motorcycles – has recently filed a patent for a clutch system to be used on some of its models. The idea of putting a clutch system on electric motorcycles, though not new, is very uncommon in modern electric motorcycles.
This clutch system is claimed to give the electric bike rider “a more feel” and operates just like a conventional clutch found on most gasoline-powered motorcycles. The system is also claimed to allow the rider to dump the clutch – or the act of abruptly releasing the clutch – as one would on a conventional motorcycle.
But, unlike a conventional motorcycle, ZERO’s clutch system will be used simply to modulate the e-motorcycle’s torque and regenerative engine braking.
The patent further explained, “For example, rapidly releasing the left-hand control lever from its fully engaged position may cause the controller to demand a short burst of torque from the motor that exceeds the torque demand indicated by the position of the throttle, simulating or replicating the feel of ‘dropping the clutch’ in a vehicle that includes a multi-gear transmission and clutch.”
ZERO Motorcycles “Made in the Philippines”
Currently, ZERO Motorcycles are not sold in the country. But, did you know that these electric motorcycles are assembled in Santa Rosa, Laguna?
In March of 2023, Ayala Corporation’s Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) and ZERO Motorcycles had forged an alliance for the production and assembly of some of its electric motorcycle models.
According to our friend and one of Ayala Corporation’s head honchos, who’s leading KTM in the country, Dino Santos, IMI has already produced more than 1,000 units of ZERO Motorcycles in less than a year of operations, all for export, and is likely to expand in the next few years.
ZERO Motorcycles was founded in 2006 by former NASA engineer, Neal Saiki, in Santa Cruz, California.
