The new Arc Vector is brainchild of former Jaguar Land-Rover ideas man Mark Truman. The Arc claims to be the world’s most advanced electric bike. It combines a carbon-fibre monocoque frame with a 399-volt electric powertrain, claiming 103kW and 85Nm at the motor, which translates to 397kW at the rear wheel once it’s been geared down. A single-speed transmission takes the 220kg bike to a 200km/h top speed, and from 0-100km/h in a fraction over three seconds.
“The Vector is more than just the world’s most premium electric motorcycle; it’s the world’s first motorcycle with integrated multisensory HMI (Human Machine Interface), it’s an innovative heads-up display helmet and it’s a tactile riding suit – all making up the most involving motorcycle experience on the market today.” said Arc’s founder, Mark Truman
Where the Arc Vector differs from other electric bikes we’ve seen is, well in pretty much everything. The whole thing is a monocoque with the battery, motor and all the internals housed in a carbon ‘tub’ that allows the front and rear suspension to be directly attached.
This not only allows it to be very stiff, it’s also very light. Arc haven’t released any figures yet but they’re saying the Vector is 25% lighter than the nearest competition. Thanks to exclusive battery tech it has a claimed 30% more capacity.
“The cells we have are still prototypes,” says Truman. “There is no other electric bike that will have the sort of cells we have.”
Each bike will come with a special helmet and jacket incorporating a heads-up display that form part of the system. The haptic jacket which has a range of abilities from pumping through your favourite music to giving you a tap on the shoulder if there’s a car approaching from behind.
Arc Vector key facts
- Motor: 399-volt electric
- Performance: 133bhp / 292ftlb
- Weight: 220kg (kerb)
- Seat height: 840mm
- Price: $158,650
