Under The City Riding Range Test Procedure for Electric Motorcycles designation, the procedure is expected to be used immediately and voluntarily by manufacturers. The MIC hopes the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) will also adopt it.
The procedure is based on the Urban All-Electric Range Test used for electric cars under California and federal regulations. It determines the range, expressed in miles or kilometers, for stop-and-go operation, representative of riding in an urban area over a variety of roads and traffic conditions.
Starting with a fully charged battery, range is determined based on the distance that can be traveled before the vehicle is no longer able to keep up with a specified speed-time profile. The basic driving cycle in the protocol sets top speed at 56.7 mph (91 km/h) and average speed at 19.6 mph (31.5 km/h).
A low-speed driving cycle, with a top speed of 36.5 mph (58.7 km/h) and an average speed of 17.7 mph (28.5 km/h), is used for vehicles with a maximum speed under 56.7 mph (91 km/h) but not below 20 mph (32 km/h). The MIC test procedure is not intended for vehicles with a top speed under 20 mph (32 km/h).
"Widespread adoption of this new standard could really help shoppers who are looking to purchase an electric motorcycle. The MIC is the perfect place to unite various stakeholders and reach consensus on workable test procedures that will benefit both consumers and manufacturers," said Larry Little, Chairman of the MIC Board of Directors.
The MIC's Electric Vehicle Task Force, who have initiated the procedure, includes representatives of on-highway electric motorcycle makers Brammo, Quantya and Zero, plus other original equipment manufacturers, distributors and MIC members.
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