TECH INSIDER | ARC VECTOR
motor can propel the 220kg
(485lbs) unit from 0-97km/h (0-
60mph) in less than three seconds.
“We are currently using an offthe
shelf motor from Parker in the
United States but we feel these are
slightly under-powered. They have
a bigger offering but it is too large
for a motorcycle, so we are working
with them to develop the rotor that
it fi ts in our more compact system,”
he explains.
As a result, production models
will receive a 138kW bespoke motor
that develops the equivalent of
186ps and 690Nm of torque at the
wheel - an impressive amount for a
two-wheeled machine that weighs
the same as a Kawasaki Z1000.
Dynamic design
This radical approach to design and
packaging goes some way to explain
the price tag, as the unconventional
set-up called for external assistance with the
chassis and suspension development.
“We’ve incorporated a carbon fi ber swing arm
at the rear that was created in conjunction with
MotoGP manufacturers Riba and designed by a
MotoGP chief engineer, while the carbon tub was
a collaboration with Formula F1 engineers and
Mike Stephens, who has previously worked with
Airbus on the subject of composite materials,”
explains Truman.
At the front, Arc uses a modern take on the
Defazio hub-center steering system, but rather
than engineering out the ‘diving’ sensation that
most riders of telescopic fork motorcycles
are used to, his team have ensured it remains.
“Dynamically, getting rid of suspension dive
might be the Holy Grail in terms of handling, but
most riders don’t like the feeling. Instead, we’ve
placed the pivot point just below the center line so
you get a bit of dive, but you’ll never completely
bottom out like on a traditional motorcycle. It also
allows us to take all the best bits of telescopic
forks with the addition of a steeper steering angle
for better handling,” adds Truman.
The team behind the Arc Vector are also being
extremely realistic with range, stating that hard
track riding will naturally see the battery packs
drained after 112 kilometers (70 miles), but more
thoughtful ‘Sunday Cruising with the occasional
burst of throttle’, as Truman puts it, will return
more like 321km (200 miles).
Fast charging takes 35-40 minutes via the
global standard CCS interface but Arc is also
working with home charging solution specialists
to install wall box systems that can top batteries
up in around three hours.
There’s so much more to the package than
the electrifying statistics, as the Human Machine
Interface will include a bespoke helmet with
head-up display and rear-view camera. Plus,
a special armored jacket will feature haptic
feedback capabilities that will assist with turnby
turn navigation and warn if vehicles are
approaching from the rear.
Scratch the surface of the Vector and its clear
to see why this limited production run machine
(expect just 399 examples to enter the wild) costs
so much, but as Truman explains, this will be just
the beginning of a “diverse and exciting” line-up of
electric machines to come from the brand.
26 // July 2019 // www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com
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2
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1. The 960 cell battery pack
forms part of the frame
2. Each Arc Vector will be
customized for each owner
through a tailoring service
3. A bespoke jacket and
helmet are included in the
US$112,000 package
/www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com