Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, announced today that it has been awarded a grant of $1,009,220 from the California Energy Commission (CEC). With matching commitment from Zero, over $2M in funding will be made available to drive the company’s continued research, development and assembly of 100% electric motorcycles at their California headquarters.
“The UK announced this recently with their grant on Electric Motorcycles and close behind was the USA, this is surely a message for the south African Government to something similar, not only for the new green thinking, from polluting vehicles to zero emission vehicles but the massive savings on fuel and the ideal perfect commuting machine,” said Craig Langton Sales Director of Zero Motorcycles SA and co-owner of the Cayenne Group
A news article was published in the UK under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government. Motorcycles and scooters will join cars, vans, trucks and buses in the government’s drive for greener vehicles. Motorcycles and scooters will join cars, vans, trucks and buses in the government’s drive for greener vehicles, Business Minister Matthew Hancock announced today (27 March 2015).
Up to £7.5 million will be set aside to boost the uptake for electric 2 wheelers and help biker’s bridge the cost gap between a zero emission electric motorcycle and conventional petrol versions.
The grant could offer up to £1500 off the purchase price and allow motorcyclists to reduce both their running costs and environmental impact. The move comes following meetings with the electric Motor Cycle Industry Association and leading manufacturers including Zero, Suzuki, Harley Davidson, BMW, Volt, and Mahindra.
Business Minister Matthew Hancock said, low emission vehicles are the future and show that we can meet our climate change commitments without giving up our cars or motorbikes. Electric motorcycles and scooters have got fantastic potential and can be a real force for clean air emissions and overall cost savings.
Back to the USA
“We thrive at the intersection of transportation, technology and energy efficiency,” said Zero Motorcycles CEO Richard Walker. “This generous grant, combined with the confidence of our investors, accelerates our global growth, expands Zero’s local workforce and manufacturing capacity, and will fuel continued innovation across all of our products.”
Zero was founded in Santa Cruz in 2006 and has been pioneering electric motorcycles ever since. Each year, the model line has seen great advancements in performance, range, features and value. Zero motorcycles are proudly “Crafted in California” at the company’s Scotts Valley (Santa Cruz County) headquarters.
“It’s exciting to see Zero Motorcycles grow from a pilot production line we funded to an expanded manufacturing line through this latest grant,” said Janea A. Scott, lead commissioner on transportation for the California Energy Commission. “Transitioning from older, higher polluting vehicles to zero emission vehicles—ones with no tailpipe pollution—helps the state meet its clean air, climate, and petroleum reduction goals.”
The California Energy Commission is focused on promoting efficiency and conservation, supporting cutting-edge research, and developing California’s renewable energy resources. Zero is committed to using the CEC grant to expand its production capacity through improvements in its manufacturing line, production efficiency and engineering processes.
“We believe CEC funding is ideally suited for this kind of project as we leverage 21st century California clean-tech manufacturing,” said Kai Hypko, VP of Operations at Zero. “As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, Zero Motorcycles helps reduce petroleum use, improve air quality and energy efficiency, all while creating more skilled jobs here in California.”
About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is committed to transforming the motorcycling experience by bringing to market highly innovative electric motorcycles that offer exceptional value and performance. Zero is powered by innovation, driven by passion, guided by integrity and measured by results. Through extensive research, insight and experience, Zero combines the art and science of motorcycle development to create and manufacture products that excite consumers and inspire brand loyalty. Every model is designed and built in California. Zero is determined to be the preeminent global electric motorcycle company.
For more information on Zero Electric Motorcycles call Zero SA a division of the Cayenne Group on 011 244 1900, ask for Berto or Clinton
