Zero takes second swing Down Under

A HIGHLIGHT for many attendees to last weekend’s Everything Electric exhibition in Sydney was the relaunch of electric motorcycle brand Zero, which with a debut line-up of nine models looks ready for a promising future under the umbrella of Peter Stevens Motorcycle Group.

 

Made in the United States, the Philippines and Canada, Zero’s latest line-up could be in for big things Down Under given the show-stopping effect GoAuto observed the striking model range to have on punters at Everything Electric.

 

The brand operated in Australia a few years ago under a different distributor but failed to gain traction, although with backing from Peter Stevens and with more momentum behind transport electrification, Zero’s future here looks to be on a more solid footing.

Speaking with GoAuto at Everything Electric, Zero Motorcycles marketing and events manager Tom Reynolds was full of confidence for the electric brand’s future.

 

“With the backing of the (Peter Stevens) Group, we are confident Zero bikes will gain popularity as the word spreads,” he said.

 

“The line-up is good, covering most riding from dual-purpose and off-road to touring and sports bikes; we have a selection to choose from and we have lower introductory 2023 pricing on some models to generate interest.

 

“It will take a while but we expect Zero bikes will gradually gain acceptance as riders start to appreciate their strengths and economies.

 

“They offer excellent performance and a range up to 300km depending on how they’re ridden and as an around-town bike, Zeros make a tempting proposition.

 

Using Polaris technology, the local Zero range runs motors with outputs ranging from 33kW to 84kW, while up to 230Nm makes them torquier than many small petrol-powered cars.

 

“The torque is what sets them apart as even 1000cc sport bikes struggle to match the equivalent Zero model for instant torque,” said Mr Reynolds.

 

It makes for relaxed riding or alternatively, super quick acceleration that has been electronically modulated to a rideable level through progressive power transmission.”

 

Mr Reynolds said riding a Zero in the city “obviously” is better because there are more recharge facilities at the moment, “but with more recharging options coming on stream outside cities, owning an electric motorcycle becomes more attractive,” he told GoAuto.

 

Priced from around $25,000 to $50,000 excluding on-road costs, Zero’s electric motorcycles are available through eight dealers throughout Australia.

 

A learner-approved LAMS model is in the pipeline and currently being assessed by government officials for compliance.

 

The models available here are the SRS, SRF, SR and S sports bikes with 84kW, 84kW, 52kW and 45kW respectively, smaller FXE and FX dual-purpose trail bikes with a 33kW motor and the dual-purpose sports range in DSRX, DSR and DS grades with 75kW, 52kW and 45kW respectively.

 

Dry weight ranges from 247kg for the faired DSRX down to 131kg for the bare-bones FX while battery capacities are from  7.2kWh to 17.3kWh to model dependent.

 

All Zero bikes come with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre power pack warranty.

 

Zero only quotes city range, with the DSRX setting a claimed 288km.