CFMoto switch over to electric
Battery-powered police bike indicates where new ZEEHO sub-brand is headed
‘The cop bike will filter down to civilian use’
In December China’s CFMoto unveiled their ‘ZEEHO’ subbrand alongside a concept scooter – the Cyber – to stake their claim in the electric bike arena. But the firm’s efforts on battery-powered motorcycles are actually far more advanced than the Cyber suggests and a fully electric CFMoto commuter has already passed type-approval tests for road use in their homeland. The machine you see here is officially called the 300GT-E, and it’s initially been developed in response to a tender from the Chinese government for an electric motorcycle to be used by police. However, a civilian version is likely to follow; it’s a pattern of development we’ve seen from CFMoto for years, with police bikes appearing as precursors to commercial offerings, and the firm have made intellectual property filings showing the styling a version shorn of all the police paraphernalia.
The ‘300GT-E’ name is a clue to the performance levels that can be expected. It’s intended to be roughly on a par with a 300cc machine, but its internal codename – CF10500DJ – actually gives more, as the motor powering it is a 10,500-watt, liquid-cooled, ‘PMSM’ (permanent magnet synchronous motor) design from Blue Stone New Power. If you’re thinking that 10,500 watts, or 10.5kW – equivalent to 14hp – is a little low for a 300cc-equivalent bike, that’s because it’s the motor’s rated ‘continuous’ power output. The actual peak power figure, which is much more in line with the numbers we’re used to from petrol engines, is 18kW, or just over 24hp. The motor’s maximum torque of 40lb.ft (54Nm) is much higher than you’d get from a 300cc petrol engine, too, and means there’s no need for a multi-speed gearbox. The whole motor and transmission assembly weigh a mere 17.2kg. In terms of performance, CFMoto reckon the police-spec bike is good for 75mph flat out and has a real-world range of 93 miles, with fast-charging for the 144V battery. Even with the police kit, the 300GT-E has a kerb weight of 225kg, which is relatively light for an electric bike, and the civilian version is likely to be lighter still. And even in police trim the bike has a surprising level of luxury, with a 7in TFT display, built-in satnav, Bluetooth connectivity for calls and music playback and even tyre pressure sensors, plus three riding modes: eco, street and sport. There’s also an adjustable screen, full LED lighting and keyless ignition, plus electronic locks for the seat and panniers. The equipment level is a pointer to the future use of the machine, as is the fact it’s designed with a pillion seat and pegs – pure police models including the cop versions of CFMoto’s petrol-powered 650cc twins are usually single-seaters.