Electric Motorbikes in Isle of Man TT Races

For the first time, renewable energy technology has figured in the world-famous Isle of Man TT motorbike races, with 15 electric-powered motorbikes pitched against each other in the TTXGP (TTX Grand Prix).  A zero-emissions motorbike race had never been held anywhere in the world before now but, on Friday June 12th, 15 environmentally friendly designs went head-to-head around one lap of the circa 37-mile circuit – a historic moment in the chapters of motorbike racing.

TTXGP 2009 Results

The initial TTXGP race was won by Team Agni - a joint British/Indian team - driver Rob Barber's winning time - 25 minutes, 53 seconds.  Second place went to Team XXL's Thomas Schoenfelder, and third to Team Brammo's Mark Buckley.

Team Agni's bike had came first during time trials that took place prior to today’s race with a recorded time of 26 minutes, 41 seconds, having averaged 84 miles per hour across the course, but with a maximum recorded speed of 102 miles per hour.  

One entry had come from Kingston University – an electric motorbike called the ‘Firstest’.  This bike achieved a time-trial average of 70 miles per hour and, prior to today’s race, chief designer Paul Brandon explained the differences between the ‘Firstest’ and conventionally-powered motorbikes. “We're carrying the equivalent of 3.5 litres of fuel to do one lap”, he said. “A normal petrol bike, averaging 120mph around the circuit, carries 10-12 litres for a lap - if you gave one of those TT riders just 3.5 litres of fuel, they would not be doing 120mph, in fact they would struggle to do 70mph on average because of the inefficiency of the internal combustion engine. “

Brandon added: “Electric vehicles have an efficiency of 90%, normal ones are 30% efficient if you're lucky.”

Battery-Powered Motorbikes

These 15 green motorbikes represented the green technological achievements of six nations – the UK, the United States, India, Austria and Germany among them – and, overall, the race served to highlight that battery-powered motorbikes could put on just as thrilling an event as their older, fossil-fuel powered ancestors.

The new TTXGP element of the TT races was established by Azhar Hussein, who spoke of the success of his innovation.

"The teams taking part in the TTXGP ... have demonstrated it is possible to build a zero-carbon electric race bike capable of the Isle of Man Mountain Circuit”, he said.  “Being the first event of its kind anywhere in the world, many have naturally had doubts as to whether available technology is capable of such a demanding challenge.  But clean emission motorsport has become reality.”

Discussions are already taking place in terms of the 2010 TTXGP.  The current plan is that the distance will be doubled to two laps, meaning the motorbikes will need to pause mid-way through to charge their batteries.  Electric cars will also be brought in for the first time, with potential competitors including examples of the Tesla automobile range, which includes the Roadstar sports car design.

"With TTXGP 2010, we want to push boundaries of zero-carbon racing further by hosting the world's first clean emission eGrandPrix for cars, as well as bikes”, Hussain explained.

“The 2009 TTXGP is creating excitement around the world and interest in what the future of motorsport and personal transport looks like.  It seems only right that in 2010 we look to inspire and include even greater numbers by creating the first ever platform for developing and competing electric race cars.”

Image copyright of TTXGP