UM Motorcycles’ electric dreams

UM Motorcycles has tasted success with their current line-up in India and the Auto Expo 2018 gives us a glimpse into their future motorcycles. They launched an electric cruiser called the Renegade Thor as it took centre-stage at their stall. Priced at Rs 4.9 lakh ex-showroom, the Thor will be delivered to customers starting April this year. The electric motorcycle will be powered by a three-phase induction motor featuring liquid-cooling for the motor and controller. It develops 30kW of power that’s equivalent to 40bhp and 70Nm of torque. The motor transfers power through a belt drive while also offering a 5-speed gearbox with a reverse gear and a hydraulic clutch to mimic the functioning of a conventional internal-combustion motor. The addition of a gearbox also makes the Thor, the first geared electric motorcycle. Three lithium-ion battery options will be offered with a minimum range of 81km going up to 270km with a 27kWh battery. Fast charging can achieve 80 per cent charge in 40 minutes.