Harley Davidson LiveWire: the future is green!
We could not miss out on the new Harley Davidson LiveWire, the electric motorcycle that is supposed to revolutionize the motorcycle market forever. The electric is a new developing segment of the highly competitive motorcycle market. A huge revolution is already happening in the cars market, where electric vehicles are almost leading the market. Considering nowadays fuel costs and consumption, and how the environment is evolving, electric vehicles could take the majority of the automotive market in a couple of yers. Harley Davidson plans to release LiveWire™ in North America and Europe by this autumn at a price of 29.799 USD.
Harley Davidson LiveWire: what a motorcycle!
LiveWire is first Harley Davidson electric vehicle. It is a leap of faith that the company is taking right now, in order to rule the electric segment in the future. A bold move that the company made while passing a rough patch, that tells a lot on how much Harley Davidson is betting on the future and society involvement with the environment. An aggressive look gives away the target: youngsters that are into technology and mature bikers that want to try something new, modern and respectful for the environment. I am sure that, after an initial slow selling period, this motorcycle sales will take off!
LiveWire is powered by the all-new H-D Revelation™ permanent-magnet electric motor rated at 105 hp and producing 116 Nm of torque. Engine that allows LiveWire to do 0-60 in about 3 seconds for a top speed of 92 mph.
Because there is no traditional transmission, and no clutch; riding the LiveWire motorcycle is an accessible and thrilling “twist-and-go” proposition. A gear-set is required to turn the output 90 degrees to align the drive belt sprocket with the rear wheel which contributes to LiveWire’s distinctive sound. The gearset is designed to produce a signature Harley-Davidson sound as the LiveWire motorcycle accelerates and gains speed; a new sound that represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire motorcycle.
Harley Davidson Live Wire (credits by: Corriere dello Sport)
LiveWire: Batteries and Charges
The LiveWire motorcycle is powered by a 15.5kWh high-voltage battery (or RESS; Rechargeable Energy Storage System) composed of lithium-ion cells, positioned in the center of the motorcycle and surrounded by the motorcycle’s cast-aluminum frame. The RESS is enclosed in a cast-aluminum housing which also acts as a heat-sink to help cool the cells. LiveWire RESS capacity is enough to guarantee a range of 146 miles of city range and 95 miles of combined stop-and-go, and highway range.
The LiveWire motorcycle is equipped with an on-board Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 120-volt (or 240-volt) household outlet with a special power cord that stores below the motorcycle seat. Level 1 RPH (range per hour) of charging time is 13 miles for each hour of charging; and the LiveWire motorcycle will get a full charge overnight with Level 1 charging.
The latest in DC Fast Charge (DCFC) technology is standard on the LiveWire, and may be used to charge the motorcycle through a SAE J1772 connector (or CCS2 – IEC type 2 charging connector in European and some other international markets). DC Fast Charge RPH (range per hour) of charging time is 192 miles for each hour of charging. That is 0-80 percent DC Fast Charge in 40 minutes. 0-100 percent DC Fast Charge in 60 minutes.
The LiveWire motorcycle may be charged with a Level 2 charging station, but it will charge at the Level 1 rate. The charging port is located below a cap in the bodywork forward of the motorcycle seat.
All participating authorized Harley-Davidson dealers selling the LiveWire model will offer a DCFC charging station at their dealership.
HD Connect
The world’s most connected motorcycle experience. With cellular telematics connectivity powered by Panasonic®, you can remotely connect through your smart phone using the latest version of the Harley‑Davidson™ App. Check bike vitals like battery charge status, see its location on a map, and get security alerts if it’s been bumped, tampered with or moved.
HD Connect allows you to always monitor you motorcycle location in the H-D™ app and get alerts if it’s been tampered with, bumped or moved. The GPS-enabled stolen vehicle tracking feature also lets you share its location with local law enforcement. The app also helps you with your maintenance plan with reminders, and service logs.
I firmly believe this new motorcycle will revolutionize how bikers percieve riding. Traditions are good, and a company heritage is the key for any project to be successful. The future though, is the future! Harley Davidson has always shown a winning attitude when it come to innovations; I believe this project will be faithful to the Milwaukee based company tradition in term of pioneering strategies. This does not mean the end of the combustion engine era, it only is a blink in a futuristic world and Harley Davidson is leading the way.
