Electric Vehicles: Our 2021 Best Pick

Cover photo: Harley-Davidson

With more and more manufacturers integrating electric motors into their lineup, it’s not surprising that the world is heading toward the increased use of electric motors in vehicles, motorcycles, and powersport vehicles. The technology involved in electric motors and within electric vehicles has improved to the point of becoming a financially and technically viable option for many consumers, and the styling and options of electric vehicles, motorcycles, and ATV’s has kept pace as well – the electric vehicles on the market today are not the simple, angular, doorstop-shaped options from the mid-Nineties. They are modernized, with many options for electrical and cosmetic customization that is drawing in a new market of users that are feeling more confident in taking the plunge into the electric vehicle market.

There are three particular manufacturers we’ll touch on here: Zero Motorcycles and their flagship Zero S, the Segway Villain that is making waves in the side-by-side ATV world, and the electric lineup offered by Harley-Davidson.

Photo: Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles can trace its humble beginnings back to a small California storefront operation in 2006, where it was known as “Electricross” and manufactured off-road bikes with an electric power train, known as the Zero X. The original intent was to crack into the market by producing an electric motocross bike that both MX dirt enthusiasts and casual users could benefit from. If you look closely at the 2021 lineup, you’ll see a number of parallels to the motocross influence from the original Zero X line in the modern-day, dual sport Zero FX series as well.

Photo: Zero Motorcycles

The company has worked hard to bridge the gap between the riding and maintenance experience that motorcycle owners are accustomed to with gas-powered variants, by offering users with a longer riding range around town on a single charge, faster charge times, competitive pricing when weighed against bikes in a similar category, and a low cost of ownership resulting from reduced maintenance and no obligation to fill the tank with the customary dead dinosaurs. When it launched, the level of torque and power available at a moments’ notice on a Zero motorcycle, along with its near-silent operation, were unlike anything before seen in the motorcycle industry.

Photo: Zero Motorcycles

The Zero S is perhaps the best entry-level motorcycle for anyone making the switch.

The best entry-level Zero motorcycle equivalent to a typical street bike, for those who are brand new to the e-motorcycle world or the brand, would be the Zero S. There are options to build and customize the motorcycle to your preference, including a power tank which will help increase the range you can ride on a full charge. For those who are unable to spend prolonged periods at a charge point while out riding, there is a charge tank option that can slash the amount of time needed when topping the battery off at a charge station. If you mainly ride to and from your house, the Zero S can also charge up overnight using a standard outlet, without any additional cables or hardware needed – helping to ease the transition for users that are accustomed to combustion engines, and may be wary of having to re-wire an outlet to work with the charger.

Photo: Zero Motorcycles

The ease of use and impressive power delivery, combined with the overall reduced maintenance of these machines and virtual absence of gasoline and the associated gas cost, means these motorcycles are becoming increasingly more practical to the average local rider. There’s no oil in the motor to change and monitor, there are no spark plugs to fiddle with, and there isn’t a chain that requires maintenance and adjusting; it’s only a single belt connecting the rear wheel to the motor, which is an air-cooled brushless motor connected to a clutchless direct drive. The Zero S delivers a whopping 78 ft-lb of torque, and with a top speed of 158 km/h (98mph): trust me, you will have power at your fingertips when you need it. The bike also fits and feels just like a standard style motorcycle: it has a curb weight of 313 pounds, a seat height of 31.8 inches, and comes with Showa suspension and ABS.

The Zero S starts at about $13 857 ($10,995 USD)  for a base model that includes a 7.2 kWh battery that will fetch about 89 miles (143 km) of city range, and 54 miles (87 km) of highway riding; there is an option to add on a power tank that yields a longer travel range, for an additional fee.

From launching its first personal transporter in 2001, Segway is showing its innovative spirit when it comes to advancing its technologies by taking on the ATV, UTV and Side by Side markets with many new technological advancements that are sure to make their mark on the industry. The hybrid version of each of these machines will impress you as they are just as powerful and have an even better performance than the non-hybrid rides seen on the market. The side by side of the future, Segway Villian is sure to impress when comparing the hybrid version, with the gas powered side by sides. This hybrid has a modern, aerodynamic style that has a bold and radically different design that is sure to catch an eye and has the potential to take over the all-terrain market with its top-notch technology once the world gets a feel for how much power is experienced within this environmentally friendly option.

Photo: Segway Powersports

The Villain’s specifications are wonderfully comparable to the gas-powered version, and is sure to turn heads on every adventure.

This beast is aimed squarely at the sport side-by-side segment and comes with the facts to match. It offers two powertrain options, both of which use a 1000cc, four-stroke twin DOHC engine. The gas-only option produces 107 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque, while adding the hybrid feature amps up the power output to a total of 181 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Now if that is not impressive for an electric option, I am not sure what is! The villain is sure to please every riders expectations and individual needs with three different drive modes that are offered for the electronic power steering: Sport, Standard or comfort. The Villain has a water and oil dual-cooling system offers maximum performance and is equipped with remote reservoirs of both front and rear shocks, and with adjustable dual speed compression and a rebound that can adapt to any terrain and driving style.

Photo: Segway Powersports

Most of the specifications are ultimately the same between the two models, with an exception for the weight of the hybrid version being a dry weight of 1936 pounds while without the added weight of the batteries weighs in at 1694 pounds. Ground clearance is a total 14.2-inches while the wheelbase is 102.4-inches. An automatic locker comes on all models for the front axle while a rear differential locker is optional. The tires measure in at 29-inches, while the supension setup is a dual A-arms in the front and multi-link trailing arm in the rear, offering 15.6-inches of travel up front and 16.7-inches in the rear. Two different width options are available, allowing you to get a 64.1-inch model or a 72.8-inch model. The overall length of this machine comes in at 131.1-inches and height measure in at 66.5.

When purchasing your next side by side, keep our environmentally friendly options in mind. Hybrid vehicles may be the future of the power sport industry, and when looking at the specifications between those that are electric compared to gas powered, it is a no brainer that the Villain will meet your off-road needs.

Read more about Segway’s recent arrival to Canada HERE.

How would you feel about going from 0 to 100 in 3.2 seconds? That’s what Harley-Davidson’s first-ever electric motorcycle delivers. Meet the LiveWire!

From the moment it was introduced around the world as a prototype in 2014-2015, the experts at Harley-Davidson considered the feedback from riders who tested it. For the past year, they’ve been able to bring you the full model and its many cutting-edge features.

The high-voltage battery offers a minimum range of 235 km in urban riding. The owner can use the built-in Level 1 charger to plug into any standard household outlet and achieve a full charge overnight. For a faster charge, visit any Level 3 fast charging station and you’ll get an 80% charge in 40 minutes or 100% in one hour.

photo: Harley-Davidson

You’ll have a lot of fun testing this vehicle. Forget your preconceived ideas and experience the electric future. Please note that not all Harley-Davidson dealerships carry this bike. You can book a test ride via the Harley-Davidson Canada website, which will redirect you to the nearest dealer. In fact, one of our Chicks And Machines Contributors got to test the Livewire; discover her experience HERE.

photo: Harley-Davidson

For an intense immersion with the product, I invite you to watch “Long way up”.

It’s a series featuring actor Ewan McGregor and his partner Charley Boorman riding across South America on LiveWires. Experience through their eyes the first electric motorcycle trip from the tip of South America to Los Angeles.

photo: Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson continues to develop new electric products.

In fact, recently available in the United States, people can purchase a Serial 1 electric bike reminiscent of the motor company’s early days. Several models are already available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzP-fwPJNxs

photo: Harley-Davidson

On a smaller scale, Harley-Davidson has partnered with StaCyc, a company that produces electric bikes for children aged 3 to about 8 years old, because there is no age to discover your passion with the Harley-Davidson brand. Some dealers in Quebec have followed suit. The price of the bikes varies between $899 and $999. The autonomy varies from 30 to 45 minutes of pleasure, for approximately the same charging time. Your kids will love the experience, believe me.

When they say that the future is electrifying at Harley-Davidson, it’s totally true. Several other models will be released, including an electric scooter, which has already been tested at the X-Games.

As the world turns its focus onto electric motors and electric vehicles, both in everyday use and in power sports, these companies are pioneering the technology and means to make electric vehicle ownership a practical and sustainable option for many people. The field of manufacturers that are engaging in creating electric vehicle variants and recreational options remains relatively small, but this will no doubt expand in coming years as both consumers and companies are hungry for vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly, but also accessible to the general public.