The Yadea Z3 electric motorcycle — an all-electric motorcycle with a ~75 mile range, and a starting price of only $3,388 — has been launched worldwide, according to a new press release from the company.
The initial launch will penetrate 15 different markets (countries), but a wider rollout at a later date is possible. Initial markets include: China, Colombia, Korea, and Germany, amongst others.
The model is quite an interesting one, even for reasons unrelated to the rather reasonable pricing (which varies by market). It features, through a connection to BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), an “embedded intelligent system (that) can share real-time location and relevant data through the mobile application. Customers can check matters such as battery usage and run a self-diagnosis. With one tap, Yadea Z3 will automatically self-scan over 60 essential parts. Self-diagnosed results are available as a 3D photograph and recommended maintenance shops will be displayed on the mobile phone.” That sounds pretty cool.
Notably, the model makes use of Panasonic 18650 battery cells (9.6 kilograms or 21 lbs worth of them) in order to provide the ~75 mile range. The battery pack can reportedly be completely recharged in under 2 hours.
The press release provides more: “Apart from improved motorcycle ergonomics design, Z3 also adopts a sophisticated carbon alloy frame and a powerful inverted damping system with a vibration test running for 4 million times. Equipped with rear air shock absorbers (suspension), military-grade run-flat tires, and automotive paint technology, Z3 is aiming for a true racing motorcycle experience. Yadea Z3 passed over 200 strict national tests and 120 days of closed tests which totaled 100,000 km (62,500 miles) driving distance.”
As some background here, Yadea was founded back in 2001, in Wuxi, China, with the intent of focusing on the 2-wheeled “green energy vehicle” market.
Are we there yet? Do the lifetime economics compare favourably to an ICE bike?