The P1 features a frameless aluminum monocoque design that incorporates the structure, battery storage and the fairing all into one, which, according to it's builders, eliminates duplication, optimizes distribution of loads and reduces weight across the system.
“Ever since I saw the first modern electric scooters in the mid 2000's, I felt that the time was ripe to approach motorcycle design like an aerospace vehicle, and integrate the body, frame and battery into the same structure,” said Amarok Consultants President and P1 chief designer Michael Uhlarik.
“Since the 1930's, airplanes have relied on all-stressed skin, aluminum monocoques for superior strength, lower weight and packaging efficiency. Batteries already have strong and bulky structures, so why not design them into shapes that give them enough strength to support the entire motorcycle and rider vehicle system, while sculpting them into an aerodynamic package?” Uhlarik continued.
"The P1 is far from perfected, with many compromises made for the sake of time and limited resources. It is our design target to achieve a weight of 125kg (275 lbs) with the next generation P2, giving us power-to-weight parity with a gasoline-powered 250 cc Grand Prix bike. I want Amarok to prove that with battery electric vehicles, less really is more. Less heavy, costly batteries, but more performance and better handling,” he concluded.
Amarok will be campaigning the P1 in the North American TTXGP electric racing series this summer with support from Pro6 Cycle and Dunlop Tires, while continuing to develop the concept and upgrading the technology for the second generation P2, due in the fourth quarter 2011.
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