British electric bike firm returns with sustainable private backing
The Arc Vector is back on target but this time its creator has a fresh approach
The Arc Vector burst onto the scene in late 2018, promising unparalleled performance. At the time Arc said the electric hyper bike would weigh just 220kg, produce 133bhp, fully charge from zero in 45 minutes and, most impressive of all, manage over 360 miles between plug ins. But the project fell on rocky ground when the UK company were let down by investors with the firm entering administration a year later. Then in October 2020, Arc founder Mark Truman revealed that he had bought the project back himself and that the Vector would once more head towards production. Six months on, MCN spoke to Truman to find out what the next steps are.
“We are a pretty down to earth honourable bunch, doing what we do because it’s what we believe in,” says Truman. “To keep this level of integrity, Arc won’t take on non-aligned investment to make the dream a reality. The type of investment that would see us lose control of our brand, our philosophy and our values.” Without outside investment, the project might move a little slower than initially anticipated, and it will also need to bring in money by itself. Truman is keen Arc doesn’t become another loss making electric business kept afloat with other people’s money. To do this, they’re branching out to support the project.
“In the background we have been working with a number of two, three and four-wheeled vehicle manufacturers to help them develop their EV propositions through the Arc technology we have created,” says Truman. “It is through this work that Arc is now fully selffunded – organically growing and developing the Vector to our own tune. If people like what we are doing and believe in the things we stand for, then I hope they can help promote and support us once we have proved we deserve it. “Arc are rewriting the rules of motorcycle design. We’re not just putting together a frame with a battery, motor and a set of forks, this is a new construction philosophy – almost every idea, concept, component and technique is new. We are building our perfect motorcycle and we are incredibly close but bear with us – perfection is worth fighting for.”
‘We’ve worked to make Arc self-funded’ MARK TRUMAN, ARC OWNER