Electric vehicles - Project7 X01 Electric Superbike

Project7 is a Belgian group working to develop innovative electric vehicles. To prove and promote their eDrive system, it has entered an electric motorcycle, dubbed the X01, into the TTXGP. While the bike is not yet complete, the company has built a mock-up and published some provocative specs for this unique design.


What makes it unique? Well, the X01 is the first bike we’ve seen to incorporate an axial flux BLDC (brushless DC) motor. Located just ahead of the rear wheel, the power plant is said to be good for a constant 136 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. While the predicted peak 137 hp is only ever-so-slightly above nominal, peak torque is said to shoot to 300 lb-ft for up to 30 seconds at a time.

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Continuing along the innovation theme, the racing machine will hold 12.6 kWh of energy in two quick-release battery modules. Like another bike we’ve seen recently, the racer is packaged to have its center of gravity optimally placed. If the finished product lives up to its paper specs, it should have a potent power-to-weight ratio, given that the bike will come in at under 200 kg (440 lbs) with the help of a carbon fiber frame and swingarm. We – and, no doubt, its future competitors – will definitely be keeping an eye on how the project evolves.