To get closer to the sensations that thermal motorcycles can provide, the sector leader, Zero Motorcycles, plans to integrate a false clutch lever on its electric motorcycles.
Source : Zero Motorcycles
What many people who switch from thermal to electric regret are the sensations. So not those of acceleration, which is much more devastating on a car like an electric motorcycle. But rather the sensation of shifting gears manually for example, which allows you to add finesse to driving. And give a better feeling of control.
It is undoubtedly in this sense that the leader in electric motorcycles in the world decided to add a clutch lever to its productions. In any case, this is what the patents that Zero Motorcycles have filed reveal, and which are made public by our colleagues at Cycle World.
Torque discharge…
It is true that on electric motorcycles, the left hand does not have much to do. And Zero Motorcycles therefore wants to add a lever like on thermal motorcycles to simulate the sensations of a clutch. And the goal is not so much to invent a new function as to want to be as similar to it as possible.
As reported by the Californian media, the patent allows you to feel a progressive resistance in the lever, the aim being to play for example on the output torque of the motor, by reducing it. Thus the lever imitates the operation of a classic clutch. With a sliding sensation that we do not yet know on electric motorcycles.
But this is not the only use that could be copied since it could also be programmed to provide a torque release, such as when the clutch lever is quickly released. Perfect for wheeling!
… or controlled braking?
Likewise, this imitation clutch would also have a function during deceleration, with a lever that would allow control of regenerative braking. Several parameters would be taken into account, such as the position of the throttle grip, on the right, but also the force and pressure applied to the lever. A rapid movement of the lever could thus be interpreted by the motorcycle as a very high level of regenerative braking.
At the moment it is unclear whether Zero Motorcycles plans for this clutch lever to be combined with foot controls and an automatic gearbox. Nor when it will come standard on the brand's motorcycles. A technology that reminds us of that integrated by Hyundai in its Ioniq 5 N, which simulates gears.