Once unthinkable, an electric Harley-Davidson is now a reality. Doc considers ...
The rumours and whispers began around about eight years ago; Harley-Davidson was going to produce an electric motorcycle! Groans were heard from the die-hards and some even shaved off their beards in protest. But the Motor Company pushed on and in June, 2014 demonstration models were released under the name of Project LiveWire and Brum flew to the US to ride one.
A key thing about electronics is that progress in the field moves at a very fast pace. With respect to the LiveWire, we are talking both battery and charging technology. Which meant that while there were some very impractical aspects to those first prototype demo models, technology has moved forward and we are getting closer to a bike with a more practical range and alternative methods of charging the battery.
The LiveWire is powered by Harley’s new Revelation electric motor and it features a RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System) which is marketing jargon for the main battery, which is composed of lithium-ion cells surrounded by a finned, cast-aluminium housing. The LiveWire is also equipped with a small 12-volt lithium-ion battery that powers the lights, controls, horn and instrument display.
The Harley-Davidson Australia website says that there are two easy ways to charge the battery. You can either use the onboard Level 1 charger and power cord to connect to any standard household outlet and get a full charge overnight. Or, for a faster charge, visit any public Level 3 DC Fast Charge station. Now there are some of these around Oz, but not many as yet and the downside of a motorcycle compared with a car, is that you can do a lot of things while waiting for a recharge in the comfort of your car, but a bike is a different story indeed. Right now it is a bit of a wait-and-see situation.
Denne historien er fra May/June 2019-utgaven av HEAVY DUTY Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra May/June 2019-utgaven av HEAVY DUTY Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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