American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 226 May 2018 | Page 24

MOTO Campagna Unveils 100% FUTURE Electric T-REX and Seeks Zero Motorcycles is recalling all 2012 Zero S, Zero DS and Zero DSP (Police) motorcycles - cell pouches in the battery packs may wear from contact with the holders, allowing humidity to enter the pouch and cause an electrical short within the battery. Alternet Systems of Dallas, Tx., has announced the formation of a new subsidiary to be called ReVolt Electric Motorbikes to produce Li-ion battery powered motorcycles for US and international markets. ReVolt has partnered with a manufacturing company to first produce a motorcycle based on the 1930s BMW R71 motorcycle with sidecar utilized by the German Army in WWII. The ReVolt classic electric motorbike with sidecar will be powered by an electric motor utilizing an Alternet Systems designed lithium battery solution. Californian lithium-ion battery manufacturer Antigravity has had a huge reaction to news about its new “game changing” Re-Start battery technology (built-in jump starting feature thanks to what company president Scott Schafer describes as “intelligent on-board voltage monitoring that puts the battery to sleep before it is drained dead – retaining enough reserve energy allowing the rider to re-start and drive away.” As Royal Enfield continues to spread its sales network and product lines for European and North American expansion, it is reported that the company is also making “considerable” investments to explore “a number of” electric motorcycle and related concepts. As part of its Electro Mobility Strategy, BMW is investing € 200m (around $250m) in a new “battery cell competence center” that will open in 2019 near its Munich headquarters in Germany. Among other objectives, the center will harness the group’s research so far into battery-cell development and production, the fifth-generation electric drivetrains (integrated electric motor, transmission and power electronics in a single component) that are slated for automotive debut in 2021, and Rare-earth-free electric motors and components. Battery giant GS Yuasa is investing in a new lithium-ion SLI (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) battery assembly facility at Miskolc, Hungary, using lithium- ion cells made in Japan. 24 Additional Dealers Campagna Motors has announced the development of an all-electric T-REX prototype “Reverse Trike” three- wheeler concept. Having previously established successful partnerships with BMW and Harley-Davidson to source powerplants for its T-REX and V13R respectively, this undertaking consisted of integrating Zero Motorcycles’ powertrain technology into the chassis of the T-REX “for an even more dynamic and unique offering. “The motors, batteries and controllers have been seamlessly integrated into the T-REX, creating a high- performance vehicle, without the need for gasoline. André Morissette, President of Campagna Motors, says that “thanks to the hard work of our dedicated team and partners, the T-REX has become the benchmark for three- wheeled performance. Our collaboration with Zero Motorcycles brings a whole new level of innovation and originality to this already exhilarating platform.” Morissette went on to say that “Zero is known for consistently producing the electric vehicle industry’s most energy and power dense battery packs, offering more range and performance than any production electric motorcycle on the market. Their advanced lithium-ion batteries are also maintenance-free.” For Zero, Director of Business Development, Jim Callahan said: “We are excited that Campagna selected o ur industry-leading powertrain technology to develop their electric T- REX. “Zero’s electric powertrain is an ideal solution for the ultimate three- wheeled experience. This vehicle is an absolute thrill to drive.” The prototype was being unveiled for the first time at the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show; a second more advanced prototype is planned for the summer of 2018. Campagna Motors was founded in 1988 in the province of Quebec, Canada, by Daniel Campagna, who devoted more than eight years to the creation of the T-REX, the first prototype being shown in 1994. He and his company did much to create what is now referenced as the “Reverse Trike” market, with majors such as Can-Am and Polaris having entered the sector in recent years with volume production machines. AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - MAY 2018 PARTS AND ACCESSORIES However, Morissette has again shown himself to be a step ahead. With this new version and the collaboration with Zero, Morissette has shown that his company has continued to innovate with a genuine cross-over vehicle that could pull customers from all over the powersports and automotive radar. He told AMD: “We are now actively looking for dealers in the powersports industry for selected territories in North America. We want to develop a network of franchised dealers that can sell and service the vehicles and parts and accessories. “Our vehicle in a dealer’s showroom would bring in a lot of high-end customers, and these vehicles do not compete with motorcycles; they bring another demographic of customers, people who want the thrill and performance of motorcycles, but the stability and safety of cars.” DEALERS WANTED Morissette also told AMD that his company is now ready to appoint additional dealers from the powersports industry for selected territories for the existing gas-powered T-REX and stunning V13R ‘Roadster’ reverse trikes. To enquire about a Campagna Dealer franchise, send an email to [email protected] www.campagnamotors.com www.AMDchampionship.com