Brighton based Union Motion Launches “Phaser Type 1” Custom Electric Motorcycle 18.11.2016: NEW GENERATION MOTORBIKE ELECTRIFIES TWO-WHEELED

NEW GENERATION MOTORBIKE ELECTRIFIES TWO-WHEELED COMMUNITY & WINS INTEREST FROM INNOVATE 2016

SELECTED AS ONE OF 100 PRODUCTS  SHOWCASED AT ‘INNOVATE 2016’ WHICH PUTS GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT ON BEST UK INNOVATION.
 




Out of the workshop into the mainstream




A brilliant new electric motorbike that is in its trial stage has just received two ringing accolades from the business and media worlds – Innovate 2016 and driveEV magazine.



The ‘Phaser Type 1’ offers electric custom biking at its best. It will not go into general production, but offer its lucky new owners a head-turning prize bike at around £17,000 with a zero Co2 powertrain. Its builders offer prospective buyers a bike built to their precise specifications.


Designed and built at the FIELD workshop on the outskirts of the Sussex University Campus in Brighton, it has emerged from its testing country – the South Downs, the Sussex coast and leafy lanes – onto the world stage in a matter of just one year.



When Stephen Brown, writing in driveEV Magazine, which covers the emerging electric scene, says: “Tech startup Union Motion set ‘Phasers to Stun’ with Electric Bike” you know that the electric community like this bike.



Stephen writes: “The Phaser Type 1 is Brighton based Union Motion’s first prototype of an all-electric performance motorcycle. The bike had its first official showing at the recent Electraa Show in Malvern, Worcestershire.” 



“The vehicle incorporates a high performance electric powertrain into a beautiful, hand crafted form.  I have to confess  the Hollywood movie styling of the Phaser really caught my eye.
 


“The heart of the Phaser Type 1 is an electric air-cooled motor, with a peak output of 48kW, equivalent to 64bhp. This motor packs 110Nm of torque, which is available from standstill. 



The underpinnings of the brute are provided by a Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer motorbike, with body panels stripped and custom parts added, creating something Mad Max would be certainly pleased to seen riding.



“Energy for the machine is stored in a stack of lithium ion cells, which appear to be taken from a Nissan LEAF and holds over 6kWh of power. Held in a beautiful custom designed housing with the vertically mounted cells still visible where traditionally a fuel tank would be seen.”




The Phaser’s clean lines tie together its simple elements, unsurprisingly so, as it is in part the brainchild of designer fabricator Dominic Warman Roup, whose product design skills, learned at the world famous Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, are much in evidence.



 But this is not a case of design cool over functionality; it is just the opposite, a stripped-back elegance that makes you think: “Of course! This is how the future will look and feel.” And it really is a case of fast forward to the future.



So it's no surprise that the project was selected as one of 100 to be showcased at Manchester’s ‘Innovate 2016’ show, which puts the global spotlight on UK innovation.



Speaking about the bike, Dominic Warman Roup says: “There is a growing need to engage people with electric vehicles on an emotional and practical level.



 This is essential if we are to make a successful transition to cleaner forms of transport – and motorcycles are an ideal way of doing it. We want to challenge the trope of nostalgic and aesthetically led custom motorcycles by encouraging others to experiment with the awesome possibilities offered by electric powertrains.



 As well as building our own creations for clients, we also supply electric vehicle components and know-how to other niche vehicle builders.”



He adds: “The Phaser Type 1 started life as a ‘98 Fazer 600. We got it as a rolling chassis, just frame, forks, swingarm and wheels. Once de tabbed, the double loop frame made a great base for experimenting with battery location and drivetrain layout (see our instagram for a record of the build).




 After a little trial and error, we settled on a conventional motor location, echoing the final drive output of the original engine.



“The 6 kWh battery pack found a home above the motor and controller, snug between the two top frame loops, keeping the centre of gravity of its 50 kg weight nice and low. The pack sits on a set of rails that allow it to be easily removed from the rear of the bike. This means a fresh pack can be installed in under five minutes, giving another 60 miles of riding.



“CNC milled sheet aluminium bodywork keeps things clean and minimal to allow for easy access to the controller and airflow over the motor. The tank has been reduced to the bare essentials, keeping the profile of the bike low while retaining the original ergonomics, allowing you to grip the machine around corners.



“Finishing touches include our own programmable instrument, an Akira-inspired disc wheel and a super-bright halo running light.”






What does it cost?

A Type 1 Phaser would be around the £17,000 mark. The customer would get the freedom to customise the bike however they like, as it would essentially be a one-off.




How long would it take to get one if I ordered one now?

The lead time would be about 2-3 months at the moment, depending on the desired specifications of the bike.





What do the motorbike reviewers make of its ride?


We haven't had public or reviewers test ride yet; we're planning on a test ride event for the spring, after the shows we have lined up.




THE SPECS

Year of build: 2016 
Chassis: Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer
Top speed: 110 mph
Range: 60 miles
Curb weight: 160 kg


MOTOR

Type: Axial flux, Brushless, Three phase, Permanent magnet.
Cooling: Passive air-cooled.
Continuous power: 32 kW (42 hp)
Peak power: 48 kW (64 hp)
Continuous torque (@ motor): 44 Nm
Continuous torque (@ wheel): 120 Nm
Peak torque (@ motor): 110 Nm
Peak torque (@ wheel): 300 Nm
BATTERY PACK
Chemistry: Automotive spec lithium ion.
Type: Modular
Capacity: 6 kWh
Nominal voltage: 88.8 v
CHARGER
Type: Off-board
Power: 3 kw
Input: 13 A household
Charge time: 2 hours



- Julian Roup - photos Union Motion