Michelin on Board For World Record With World’s First Ever 3D Printed Electric Motorcycle
In August this year a team of volunteers from Imperial College’s Racing Green Project will ride their ZEPHiR motorcycle from Land’s End to John O’ Groats aiming to set a world record for the fastest and first electric motorcycle to travel the famous route. Shod with Michelin tyres, the ZEPHiR will incorporate the world’s first water-cooled 3D printed motorcycle motor and superstructure (coated in carbon fibre) supporting the innovative textile fairing and seat.
The ZEPHiR project was set up by a team of volunteers from Imperial College’s Racing Green programme (well known for racing at the TT) and is a new start for the team, one where data collection and raising public awareness are combined with a once in a lifetime adventure.
The team are clear in their objectives, which include building a high range, road legal electric motorcycle; developing a 3D printed motor in partnership with Frazer-Nash and Renishaw; collaborating with textile postgraduates of the Royal College of Art to create a novel fairing system; raising awareness of the Imperial Racing Green programme with ZEPHiR demonstrations at public events; and finally attempting to set a world record riding from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.
Michelin Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland, James Dimmock, said: “We’re excited to support this ground-breaking project. It’s been rewarding to work with the team in the planning stages, as we’ve been able to help with their tyre selection and advise them about the importance of tyres in terms of reducing rolling resistance and extending battery life, while ensuring good performance at speed. At Michelin, we pride ourselves on the quality and technical excellence of our tyres, and we’re delighted that this has been recognised by the Racing Green Team’s decision to choose Michelin for their pioneering ZEPHiR project.
Nathaniel Petre from Imperial’s Racing Green Team said: “2016 is going to be an exciting year for us. The world record attempt in August will be the culmination of many months of hard work. To have confidence in our tyres and the support and technical advice from the experts at Michelin means the ZEPHiR project is certainly more likely to succeed in the objectives. We couldn’t be happier to count such a world-famous marque of excellence among our supporters.”
For the latest news and updates on the ZEPHiR project find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IRGZEPHiR/
To see Michelin’s full range of motorcycle tyres visit moto.michelin.co.uk
