The VentureOne's all-electric propulsion system has two in-wheel 20 kW electric motors, and a 17 kWh Li-Ion battery pack. Like the Hybrid system is able to return energy lost due to braking to the battery.
Powered by either its hybrid or all-electric drivetrain, and combined with its low weight, the VentureOne is extremely energy-efficient, has low or no emissions, and provides a practical and economical alternative to other low-emission concepts. Also, since the VentureOne is classified as a motorcycle, it enjoys full access the world's High-Occupancy (HOV) lanes.
All three models will exceed 100 mpg in fuel efficiency, and speeds of over 100mph.
Powertrain
The VentureOne’s EV electro-mechanical powertrain presents additional technical advantages. In comparison with a traditional internal combustion engine, an electric motor is relatively simple and far more efficient. The moving parts consist primarily of the armature (dc motors) or rotor (ac motors) and bearings, and efficiency is 35% - 50% higher than that of an internal combustion engine. The torque of an EV is better suited to a vehicle’s demands as well. At low speeds a vehicle needs high torque for acceleration, as cruising speeds are approached the demand for torque lessens. An EV develops maximum torque at low rpm, and torque continues to decline with speed, similar to what a vehicle demands. An EV also does not require a transmission in the traditional sense. In fact the Venture One has no transmission due to the favorable output curve of the electric motor. To reverse the electrical input polarity is simply reversed, which in turn reverses the direction of the motor.
The VentureOne also has separate power to each of the rear wheels which allows automatic traction control, steering assist, and ABS braking to be entirely embedded in software. This eliminates the need for costly additional components and combined with the lack of transmission, severely limits the amount of money a consumer will have to put into maintenance.
Battery
The battery inside the VentureOne will be provided by A123Systems, a multinational manufacturing company based in Watertown, Massachusetts. The batteries address all three major factors that affect battery performance; high power, intrinsic safety, and long life. A123Systems’ battery technology is based upon highly active nanoscale materials that are inexpensive, nontoxic, and extremely stable in electrochemical systems. This high power chemistry is based on proprietary compositions with much higher charge and discharge rates.
The battery depends upon Li Ion energy with very high power, approximately 100C pulse discharge, and can re-charge with high energy in only five minutes. The battery has an extremely long life at both low and high rates and within a wide temperature range (-30C to 70C). The mechanically robust laser welded designed battery is built with inherently safe and green chemistry.
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