Sport bike fans, hold on to your jaws. While motorcycles haven't received quite as much alternative-fuel attention as cars, since they're already reasonably efficient to begin with, the go-faster folks have turned the instant-torque benefits of electric motors to the two-wheeled world with stunning results. At this year's Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) conference, the newly-formed Mission Motors cycle company unveiled the Mission One, a fully electric sportbike with a top speed of 150 mph and a 150-mile range.

Taking full advantage of the electric motor's strong points, the Mission One uses a proprietary lithium-ion battery pack coupled to a liquid-cooled, three-phase AC induction motor. This motor twists out 100 pound-feet of torque from a standstill, and the Mission One channels the power through a single-speed transmission. The Mission One features an Ohlins suspension and Brembo regenerative brakes. Word is that the Mission One will put its claims to the test at the Time Trials Xtreme Grand Prix in the Isle of Man on June 12.

Mission Motors plans to put the Mission One into production. According to Autoblog, the first fifty examples will be sold as limited-edition 2010 models with a $68,995 MSRP. More realistically priced models are expected to be announced this summer.

 

Really cool!

 

How sweet would an all-electric sport bike be!

 

Not bad. I guess this is what the future looks like for sportbikes. I'm thankful to have lived during a period that saw petrol-guzzling, mind-numbingly fast liter bikes though

 

There is something visceral and emotional about a screaming, howling, petrol engined bike or car that simply cannot be replicated in an electric powered vehicle, no matter how fast it is. I feel electric powered vehicles have their place, just not as performance vehicles in the traditional sense. I could see using an electric vehicle for commuting. However for 68k, I'd rather have a Desmosidicci and for the 120k it would take to buy a Tesla, I'd rather have a ZR1

 

For 70 grand, I think I'll go with a Desmosedici. It'll be a more economical purchase, as I won't have to get a vinyl shirt an short-shorts to ride it.