Zev News Moto Podcast

Can-Am is back in the motorcycle industry, and this time it's all about electric.  To dive into this journey, I spoke with Bernard Guy, BRP's VP of Global Product Strategy.  We discussed the strategies behind reviving the brand's legacy from its racing success in the 1970s, the new Pulse and Origin electric motorcycles, and the evolving landscape of customers and business. But we didn’t stop there—we also explored the acquisition of Alta Motors, the role of charging infrastructure in strategic decisions, and the challenges of leading this transformation.  Upholding our mission, we continue to engage with leaders who are driving the motorcycle industry toward electrification. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss. Hit play and enjoy!

The forecast for EV growth is substantial over the next few years.  For example, according to Bloomberg NEF,  global EV sales could reach 40 million units annually by 2030. This raises a concern: Will grids around the world be able to handle this surge? That’s the challenge ZooZ Power is addressing. The Israeli company developed the Zoozter 100, a mechanical battery designed to boost grids for fast charging EVs. And Its applications are many. To learn more about the company and the product, I spoke with Kevin Pugh, ZOOZ’s VP Sales. But as always on the podcast, the conversation expanded to other topics in the EV ecosystem, including investments, markets, and technologies. It’s an insightful overview—I hope you enjoy the talk as much as I did. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

In Portuguese, "Vammo" means "Let’s go", in an informal way. Vammo offers couriers a subscription service to rent electric motorcycles. For a monthly fee, couriers can ride these bikes without worrying about maintenance costs, and they can swap batteries at stations spread throughout the city of São Paulo, saving on gasoline expenses. However, changing a pattern that has been in operation for years comes with challenges. For instance, it’s necessary to educate couriers about the benefits of electric motorcycles. The same applies to investors, who need to understand the specifics of electric mobility—a difficult task considering Vammo is one of its kind in Brazil. To discover how Vammo overcame these challenges, I spoke with Jack Sarvary, the founder and CEO of Vammo. Born in the UK and raised in the USA, Jack eventually made his home in Brazil, attracted by Latin American culture. Our conversation extended beyond Vammo itself; we discussed the challenges of being a hardware startup, the Brazilian startup ecosystem, and much more. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

Lucas Di Grassi track record includes Formula One, Le Mans, and Formula E.  After coming close in the first two seasons, he won the Formula E championship in 2016-2017 season.  Di Grassi’s involvement with Formula E goes beyond winning: he was an early supporter of the series, way before electric vehicles became popular. The conversation with Di Grassi started with Formula E, but expanded to cover his career, the impact of electrification on the auto industry, the future of motorsports, and much more.  Di Grassi provided insightful perspectives, making the discussion both engaging and thought-provoking. I spoke with Lucas shortly after the announcement that he will be driving for the new ABT Lola Yamaha project in Formula E.

From a very early age, Dennis Savic had a vision: to build a vehicle that would make a significant impact on the industry. This vision drove the Australian engineer to create what is now Savic Motorcycles. The C-Series, their first product, is a timeless electric Cafe racer, featuring elegant shapes and lines, and incorporating clever engineering solutions, such as the innovative frame. Turning this dream into a real company required tremendous effort. We meticulously worked through the nuts and bolts to bring it to life. This involved numerous iterations, developing specific solutions, and navigating growth, customer acquisition, market dynamics, and revenue generation. Building the company was a complex and challenging process. Two key aspects stood out: Dennis values company culture and sustainable growth. As he puts it, “Not scale quickly, but scale properly". TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ALPHA PRICE: $26,990 RIDE AWAY* POWER: 60KW TORQUE :200NM HORSEPOWER :80HP CHARGE: 4.5 HOURS 0-100KM: 3.5S RANGE: 200+KM WEIGHT: 280KG FRAME: CAST BACK BONE SWINGARM: CAST SINGLE-SIDED MOTOR: SM1 3-PHASE AC IPM BATTERY CAPACITY: 16.3 KWH CHARGING LEVEL 1: 1.8KW / 8A FROM WALL CHARGING LEVEL 2: 3.3KW / 15A FROM WALL DC FAST CHARGE: NOT COMPATIBLE WHEELBASE:1440 MM RAKE: 24 DEG SEATING: PRIMARY & PILLION SEAT HEIGHT: 780 MM gEARING RATIO: 1:4 LEAN ANGLE: 40 DEG FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION TELESCOPIC FORKS/MONO SHOCK FRONT BRAKES: DUAL BREMBO M4 MONOBLOCK REAR BRAKES:BREMBO REAR CALIPER FRONT TYRES: 120/70-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III REAR TYRES: 180/55-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III FINAL DRIVE: Optibelt Delta Chain Synchronous Timing Belt, 8MDC, 8mm Pitch, 36mm Width LIGHTS:1.4 SCREEN: 7" CAPACITIVE TOUCHSCREEN SAFETY FEATURES: MULTIPLE RidE Modes INCLUDING CUSTOM MODES, ABS, Traction Control, Regenerative Braking DELTA PRICE: $19,990 RIDE AWAY* POWER: 40KW TORQUE: 140NM HORSEPOWER: 54HP CHARGE: 3.8 HOURS 0-100KMH: 4.5S RANGE: 150+KM WEIGHT: 270KG FRAME: CAST BACK BONE SWINGARM: CAST SINGLE-SIDED MOTOR: SM1 3-PHASE AC IPM BATTERY CAPACITY: 13.4 KWH CHARGING LEVEL 1: 1.8KW / 8A FROM WALL CHARGING LEVEL 2: 3.3KW / 15A FROM WALL DC FAST CHARGE: NOT COMPATIBLE WHEELBASE: 1440 MM RAKE:24 DEG SEATING: PRIMARY & PILLION SEAT HEIGHT:780 MM gEARING RATIO: 1:4 LEAN ANGLE: 40 DEG FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION: TELESCOPIC FORKS/MONO SHOCK FRONT BRAKES:DUAL BREMBO M4 MONOBLOCK REAR BRAKES: BREMBO REAR CALIPER FRONT TYRES:120/70-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III REAR TYRES: 180/55-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III FINAL DRIVE: Optibelt Delta Chain Synchronous Timing Belt, 8MDC, 8mm Pitch, 36mm Width LIGHTS: 1.4 SCREEN: 7" CAPACITIVE TOUCHSCREEN SAFETY FEATURES: MULTIPLE RidE Modes INCLUDING CUSTOM MODES, ABS, Traction Control, Regenerative Braking

StoreDot’s mission is bold: to charge electric cars as quickly as internal combustion engine vehicles are refueled, thus promoting widespread EV adoption. This ambitious goal is viewed as attainable by the Israeli company, evidenced by milestones like charging a Polestar 5 prototype from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes. Additionally, StoreDot’s technology boasts several attractive features: high energy density, lower degradation, and compatibility with existing gigafactories. To understand how StoreDot achieved these innovations, I spoke with Dr. Doron Myesdorf, founder and CEO of the company. The interview provided a comprehensive lesson on battery cell technology, the transformation of innovation into business, and the future of the automotive industry. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

If you enjoy watching cars flying in Nitrocross, say a huge thank you to OMSE, the birthplace of FC1, a fully electric beast boasting more than 1,000 horsepower. Along with delivering astonishing power, the FC1 also must endure jumps, crashes, and the absolute flat-out racing common in Nitrocross. To grasp the challenges of designing and building a car able to meet these requirements, I interviewed Andreas Eriksson, the CEO of OMSE. Andreas is a legend in the rally industry, a driver who transformed his passion into a singular endeavor. Most recently, this venture led to the establishment of Firstcorner, tasked with providing everything Nitrocross demands for FC1. Not by chance, the conversation extended to subjects such as the driving experience in electric rally cars, how electric cars can captivate motorsports fans, and OMSE's next innovative projects. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

Scott Colosimo is the founder and CEO of Land Energy. The District, a light and nimble electric motorcycle, is the company’s flagship product. I talked to Scott about Land’s journey, the process to develop the District, and its technical aspects. However, our conversation went beyond Land itself. We talked about investments in EV startups, about the boom period a few years ago, and how the sector is now more down to earth. As such, we also discussed consumer habits, manufacturing, outsourcing, and other key aspects necessary for the financial sustainability of any EV business. Scott is passionate about vehicles, not only electric ones, which became clear in his words. But Scott is not only driven by passion, he stressed the importance of a lean operation, achieving product-market fit, and striking the right balance in materials, design, and technologies. All that made this a compelling conversation. So, enjoy the show. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

Green hydrogen stands out as one of the options for moving vehicles around without CO2 emissions, including in racing. It’s possible to use hydrogen in fuel cells or even burn it in modified internal combustion engines (for the enjoyment of petrol heads). That’s a fascinating approach, updating the most widespread technology these days. But managing hydrogen can be tricky, requiring materials originally developed for the space program. And there are still challenges in obtaining green hydrogen at affordable costs. To delve into this fundamental element, and to explore the captivating technology built upon it, I spoke with Xavi Ribas. Xavi is the CEO of EVARM, the Spanish company that carried out modifications to burn hydrogen instead of diesel on the KH-7 Ecovergy MAN truck that topped Mission 1000. Additionally, Ribas was part of the action in the desert as a co-driver with the legends Jordi Juvanteny (driver), José Luís Criado (co-driver). During our conversation, we discussed racing, technology, and the role of hydrogen in the future of the automotive industry, among other topics. It was an enlightening discussion.  So, relish it! Contact: podcast@zev.news

Stark Future stormed into the dirt bike industry like a thunderbolt. The mission was to leverage the strengths of electric technology to create the best dirt bike in the business. And, it's not far-fetched to say the company succeeded. Its first bike, VARG, boasts an elegant design, unparalleled power, and numerous breakthroughs in the powertrain, chassis, and battery pack. The breakthrough extends beyond the product to the company itself. To learn more about the early days, the process of developing VARG, and the possibility of new products and business units, I had a conversation with Anton Wass, Stark Future's founder and CEO. We also discussed the recent title in Arenacross UK, how electric dirt bikes might change riding techniques, and the new manufacturers entering the dirt bike segment. So, press play and enjoy the episode! Contact: podcast@zev.news

Dakar Mission 1000 can be described as a laboratory for the mobility of tomorrow and a peek into the future of motorsports. Mission 1000 premiered at the Dakar Rally in 2024. The challenge was to cover 100 km per day and a total of 1000 km, using new energy vehicles. The challenge is broad in technical terms. From hybrids to fuel cells, from fully electric to biofuels, every option is explored. Note the use of the word "challenge." Dakar Mission 1000 serves as a rigorous platform to test new energy technologies. To delve deeper, I contacted Adrien Le Pan, Project Manager for Dakar Mission 1000 at ASO, the French company responsible for promoting the Dakar Rally. More than a standard interview, it was an exploration of the future of the Dakar Rally and its adoption of sustainable energy solutions. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

The first episode of Season 2 is out! Tacita  is the Roman goddess of Silence. And silence was the trigger for Pierpaolo Rigo starting his electric motorcycle endeavor. The journey turned out to be even more interesting when I discovered that, after some friction in communication, Pierpaolo wanted to prove another electric motorcycle company wrong. What's most impressive is that this happened fifteen years ago. I learned all that talking with Luca Oddo, the Tacita Motorcycles CEO. The company, based in Italy, is scaling up production after years of research and development. Tacita bikes boast unique features for electric motorcycles, like their gearbox. In 2024, Tacita raced in Dakar, in the Mission One Thousand class.  Naturally, the race endeavor was a part of the talk, which also covered business strategies, market insights, and much more. So, push play and enjoy the show! You can find all the motorcycles specs at: https://www.tacitamotorcycles.com/ Contact us: podcast@zev.news

Located in Bayonne, France, Dab Motors endeavors to fuse design, fashion, and innovation in its urban electric motorcycle, the CONCEPT-E. The name 'Dab' finds its origin in the founder's surname, Simon Dabadie, a French engineer renowned for his expertise in motorcycle customization. The CONCEPT-E remains a work in progress, with many specifications, features, and technologies still either classified or in the developmental phase. Similar to any startup, there are lingering uncertainties to navigate. Nevertheless, Dab Motors has reached several significant milestones. One notable achievement includes a successful collaboration with the fashion brand Burberry in crafting a limited number of bikes. Most notably, Peugeot Motorcycles has obtained a majority stake in Dab Motors. In my conversation with Dabadie, we delved into the company's background, the bike's details, market insights, and the intricate process behind developing the CONCEPT-E. So, put on your headphones and immerse yourself in our conversation! CONCEPT-E SPECS Power: 10kW (13 hp) Battery Pack: 51.8V Li-ion battery Suspensions: Öhlins Racing Brakes: Beringer Brakes Transmission: Gates belt drive

Nathan Armstrong is an engineer, builder, and creator. Born in England, Armstrong moved to California and later set his base in Alberta, Canada. The journey in the EV industry has been long for Armstrong and includes roles as the Aptera CTO. More recently, Armstrong started Armstrong Electric Vehicles, and the first product is the EB1, a light electric dirt bike. We talked about the company, the bike, and much more. And by much more, I mean the role of racing in pushing the EV industry, coexistence between ICE and electric motorcycles, and EV AI! The conversation was great, and Nathan was very generous in sharing his experience. So, put your headphones on, and enjoy the show. ARMSTRONG EB1 SPECS Power: 6kW brushless DC motor Weight: 146 lb (66 kg) Frame: 130 chromoly steel trellis Battery Pack: 2.5-KWh/72-V lithium-ion Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in about 3.5 second Top Speed: 68 mph (110 km/h) Range: around 56 miles (90 km) Price: about US$11,700 Contact us: podcast@zev.news

Electrification is changing the dirt bike industry. And that brings up some questions: How different is riding an electric dirt bike? Cornering, jumping, and putting power to the ground. Will electrification demand different riding skills to become a champion in the future? I got all these answers by speaking with Alex Andreis. He is a motocross rider, a coach, and raced the FIM E-Xplorer season one for Lizcat Team.  Alex explained everything in a textbook fashion. More than an interview, it's a guide to grasp the electric dirt biking essentials. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

Sascha Brodbeck has a diverse background on two wheels. The Swiss raced drag racing, motocross, and freestyle motocross. This disposition to face new challenges led Brodbeck to explore electric drivetrains. And to convert Honda CR, Yamaha YZ, and Kawasaki KX into electric dirt bikes. That's how Lizcat came up. Well, the journey is way more interesting. And to go further, I had a great talk with Brodbeck. We covered how Brodbeck met his Lizcat partners, Daniela Bottega and Leandro Cabarubia, the team's experience in racing FIM E-Xplorer with Alex Andreis, and what's coming next for the endeavor. So, put your headphones on and relish the show! LIZCAT DRIVETRAINS: PUMA ---------- Power: 38 hp Battery pack: 4.1 kWh Torque: 70 Nm Range: 25-40 minutes Price: 6.620 Euros   CHEETAH ----------- Power:52 hp (Liquid Cooled) Battery pack: 5 kWh Price: 8.870 Euros

Richard Hatfield is pursuing his electric dreams. He is the founder and CEO of Lightning. The Californian company develops and builds fast electric motorcycles. And Lightning has speed on DNA. In 2011, the project set the world speed record for electric motorcycles. The top speed exceeded 218 mph.   In 2012, it won the FIM Epower in Laguna Seca and Le Mans. In 2013, it was the fastest motorcycle in Pikes Peak, beating even gas motorcycles. The racing project evolved into a business. Now, the company has three models: LS 218, Strike C, and Strike R. And there is more in the pipeline. To catch up with the beginning in 2006, the current stage, and get a glimpse into the company's future, I talked with Richard Hatfield. I'm your host, Jose Gaspar, and I hope you enjoy the conversation. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

Give me two wheels and a bar, and I ride!  That's Camille Chapeliere's philosophy on dirt bikes. The French started on motocross, moved to Enduro, and even raced Dakar. This season he is racing the FIM E-Xplorer for the GravityZero team. Camille's overall riding spirit extends to electric bikes. So we talked about how different riding these kinds of bikes is, FIM E-Xplorer, and the future of dirt biking. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

Inventive mind driven by two wheels passion. That is a fair definition for Valentin Guyennet, the FIM E-Xplorer CEO. In 2010 the French organized the Red Bull Woodstrokes, the first Freestyle Trial competition. A few years later, he started to work with  Formula E. Both experiences lead to the FIM E-Xplorer creation. The global electric dirt bike series merges different disciplines into a new racing format. Motorcycling is aging, the industry is going electric, and even how people watch the races is changing. Guyennet believes that FIM E-Xplorer fits into this new world. To catch up with FIM E-Xplorer, I talked with Valentin Guyenet. I hope you like the show. Contact us: podcast@zev.news

Alta Motors changed the motorcycle industry. The Californian startup proved that an electric dirt bike was viable. Viable as a product and as a business. And the venture pioneered innovations in structure, powertrain, and, above all, how to think and design a motorcycle. Everything began back in 2009. Way before the recent EV fever starts. The goal was not to build a green dirt bike. But to use electric propulsion to develop a bike capable of surpassing its petrol counterparts. Derek Dorresteyn, Jeff Sand, and Marc Feningstein were the minds behind the ambitious endeavor. To discover more about Alta Motors' journey, I talked with Marc Feningstein, Alta's CEO during the brief but remarkable company's lifetime. Marc is a brilliant character, boasting a unique knowledge of the motorcycle business and is a must-listen voice to understand how the industry is changing. I know it was a very anticipated episode. So, enjoy the show. Contact us: podcast@zev.news