The eMotocross market continues to seek greener, electrified alternatives to gas-powered motocross bikes. Armstrong Electric Vehicles Inc. (AEV) and Accelerated Systems Inc. (ASI) are responding with eMotocross bikes like the XR-E powered by ASI’s unparalleled BAC8000 electric motor controller. “The market wants to go greener and quieter but still wants to do it with the same intensity of acceleration and top speed. With that as a key goal, we knew we had to go with ASI’s BAC8000 controller to power our bike,” said Nathan Armstrong, founder and president of AEV. Armstrong, a long-time motocross enthusiast himself, knows firsthand that speed and acceleration were only half the puzzle and that range, or length of time between charges, would also significantly impact riders’ confidence to switch to an eMotocross bike.
Singularly unique to the XR-E is that it’s the first eMotocross not needing a rear hydraulic brake, a feature made possible through the regen braking capabilities of the ASI BAC8000. Instead of using a disc brake, all rear braking is done by the motor and ASI controller using a proprietary 3-D printed stainless steel electronic brake lever.
“The drivetrain is designed to maximize the technology in the ASI BAC8000 controller. With no transmission to backdrive, all of the energy is available for regen braking which maximizes the energy recovered plus allows the controller to directly affect the behavior of the rear wheel. Without the features incorporated into the ASI BAC8000 controller, this range-enhancing capability would not be possible,” said Armstrong.
While there are other longer-established competitors in the eMotocross space, the XR-E represents the first Canadian-made option, and coming in at a sticker price of $12,500 CAD (approximately $9,400 USD) the XR-E offers motocross enthusiasts a viable alternative without sacrificing performance.
The XR-E is a ground-up design that represents a perfect balance of weight, power and capability. Weighing only 150 pounds, it’s light and compact, yet pushing over 15,000 watts of peak power and over 140 newton meters of rear wheel torque, the bike provides instantaneous power enough to tackle any terrain. The bike offers a comfortable ride for all sizes thanks to the adjustable seat, foot pegs and handlebars and there are three ride modes plus reverse. The frame is handcrafted from 4130 chromium-molybdenum steel and has a lifetime guarantee.
