Zero Electric Motorcycles Awarded US Battery Patent

California-based Zero Motorcycles has been granted a US patent for a Z-Force battery interconnect system used to power its line of motorcycles.

First integrated into production models as early as 2006, this interconnect system is low resistance, flexible and rugged. The patented technology allows Zero to create high power density packs that operate at maximum efficiency under extreme loads with passive air-cooling.

"The Z-Force Interconnect system is central to creating a power pack that is lightweight, power dense and highly durable,” Neal Saiki, founder and C.T.O., of Zero Motorcycles said in a press statement, July 20th. “This patent marks a breakthrough in developing motorcycles that combine the best aspects of a traditional motorcycle with today’s most advanced technology.”

The Z-Force Interconnect system uses a highly conductive and flexible wiring harness that is low resistance and maintains superior connectivity over time. The harness consists of braided conductors that are mechanically pressed into the terminals of the battery cells. After years of enduring the vibrations and quick impacts commonly found on the road or trail the resistance of the connectors in the power pack remains low and firmly intact. The low resistance keeps the pack running cool and reduces the amount of wasted heat energy. This allows for Zero’s high-current power packs to be air-cooled and sometimes sealed, further reducing costs, improving performance and increasing reliability, Saiki said.

Zero Motorcycles currently qualify for 50 percent energy-efficient rebates. Demo rides of the Zero X and MX, or the Zero S street motorcycle can be scheduled in some areas across the USA, and the complete product lineup is available for purchase exclusively online at zeromotorcycles.com.