KATHMANDU: Zero Motorcycles has set a new world record for the longest journey by an electric motorcycle on a single charge. Belgian rider Jelle Verstaen covered 436.5 kilometers on a Zero DS, surpassing the previous record by more than 125 kilometers.
The achievement earned a new Guinness World Records title, according to Zero Motorcycles. The previous record stood at 310.689 kilometers.
The record attempt began in the French Alps and continued south through France towards the Mediterranean coast. Verstaen completed the journey on a production Zero DS fitted with the optional Power Tank battery.
The Zero DS comes with a standard 15.6kWh battery. With the optional 3.6kWh Power Tank, total battery capacity increases to 19.2kWh.
The motorcycle retained its standard production configuration, apart from the additional factory battery option. It used standard tires and received no special modifications for the record attempt.
Zero Motorcycles said the achievement demonstrated the range potential of its production electric motorcycles under carefully managed riding conditions. The company also highlighted the importance of battery capacity, efficient riding and regenerative braking in extending range.
The journey was tracked using GPS and supported by witness statements and other documentation for Guinness World Records verification.
Zero Motorcycles is an American electric motorcycle manufacturer founded in 2006 in Santa Cruz, California, United States. The company focuses on developing electric motorcycles that combine performance, efficiency and modern powertrain technology. Its product range includes the DS, DSR/X, SR/S and other electric motorcycle models.
