2022 Zero: New Batteries, Software Performance Upgrades, and a New SR

John Burns
by John Burns

The little company from Santa Cruz charges forward

It’s all about the batteries, and Zero says its new tech makes a 20% increase in capacity possible, setting a new high-water mark for onboard battery capacity and delivering an industry-leading 227 miles of city range/ 113 miles at 70 mph. ZERO’s latest Cypher III+ operating system comes standard on 2022 SR/F, SR/S and the all-new 2022 SR models, and will allow owners of those bikes to access a bunch of range, performance, and feature upgrades with the tap of a finger on the app or at www.zeromotorcycles.com/cypherstore. Faster Charging, extended range, speed and performance boost, park mode (reverse!), heated grips, and on-dash navigation are all optional for 2022 SR/S, SR/F, and SRs, with more features and expanded model compatibility to come.

ZERO Press Release:

ZERO MOTORCYCLES INTRODUCES NEW BATTERIES, SOFTWARE PERFORMANCE UPGRADES, AND ALL-NEW 2022 ZERO SR

Massive battery capacity increases and industry-first software marketplace for motorcycles highlight advances in the 2022 Zero Model Line

2022 Zero SR

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (Nov. 4, 2021) – Zero Motorcycles, the worldwide leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains, today announced significant upgrades to their core differentiating technologies as well as several new products for the 2022 Model Line. Headlining that release is the massive improvements to the company’s largest ZForce lithium-ion batteries. Zero has boosted the energy density in its batteries to build upon its already best-in-class standing by up to 20%. Thanks to significant advances in battery design and architecture, these improved power packs come in two standard capacities of 14.4+ kWh and 15.6+ kWh.

The “+” designation noted in the pack size indicates additional capacity increase opportunities of up to 17.3 kWh. The larger 15.6+ kWh battery configuration will be available on the premium street models of the 2022 SR/S and SR/F and the 14.4+ kWh will come on standard SR/S and SR/F as well as the all new 2022 SR.

All three models will be able to increase their capacity through a revolutionary on-demand upgrade exclusive to Zero Motorcycles. Maximizing the capacity of the new batteries through those upgrades and combining it with the optional Power Tank creates nearly 21 kWh of onboard energy storage. This breakthrough represents a new high-water mark for Zero’s onboard battery capacity and delivers an industry-leading 227 miles/365 km of city range and 113 miles/182 km at 70 mph.

“Being the brand that both defined and continues to lead the category of electric motorcycles means that we have the responsibility to push the boundaries of what is possible in electric powertrains. We consistently work to deliver massive steps forward and not just incremental improvements to our powertrains and our products,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “As part of that effort, a relentless focus on range improvements, driven by battery capacity and powertrain efficiency, provide the foundations that allow us to transform the rider’s experience and drive acceleration in electric vehicle adoption and sales. These leaps forward in battery technology in our 2022 model line have set a new standard for Zero Motorcycles.”

On-demand upgrades with the Cypher Store

Cypher III+

Owners will unlock these additional battery capacities through the brand new Cypher Store. The Cypher Store is an on-demand marketplace of feature upgrades for Zero Motorcycles. It represents a major breakthrough in vehicle adaptability and a first for the powersports industry. These latest software innovations are made possible by Zero’s proprietary Cypher operating system. The latest iteration of the ground-breaking Cypher III+ operating system comes standard on 2022 SR/F, SR/S and the all-new 2022 SR models. Cypher III+ also grants owners of those motorcycles access to a suite of range, performance, and feature upgrades on the Cypher Store.

2022 Zero SR/S Aileron

Accessible with the tap of a finger, the Cypher Store features a variety of performance options, available either through the Zero Motorcycles mobile app or online at www.zeromotorcycles.com/cypherstore. Included as part of the initial list of features upgrades to be released in Q1 of 2022 are the following: • Faster Charging • Extended Range • Speed & Performance Boost • Park Mode, Heated Grips • and On-Dash Navigation.

All of these upgrades are optional for 2022 SR/S, SR/F, and SR with more features and expanded model compatibility planned for subsequent model years. “The opportunity to customize your motorcycle on-demand is nothing short of revolutionary in the powersports industry,” said Jeremy Kent, GM of Software and Parts & Accessories for Zero Motorcycles. “We’ve created the ability to instantly improve the performance of our products without much more than a Wi-Fi signal, offering a dramatic shift in how Zero’s motorcycles can grow and evolve along with the owner.”

2022 Zero SR/F

All Cypher Store upgrades will be available for purchase and installation on the Zero Motorcycles mobile application, website, or even directly from any Zero Motorcycles dealership worldwide by early Spring 2022.

2022 SR

The original electric street motorcycle, the SR, is one of Zero’s most successful and longest running models. and The 2022 SR improves on that historic model in every way. Built on Zero’s distinctive exposed steel trellis frame, the 2022 SR shares the performance DNA of Zero’s most premium options at a more affordable price.

“The SR is the motorcycle that really established the electric naked street category and it’s significant that it be the first model to introduce all of these new technologies,” said Abe Askenazi, CTO of Zero Motorcycles. “Now, with the array of never-before-seen features, the SR is the most adaptable motorcycle ever and is poised to maintain its prominence for years to come.”

The 2022 SR is powered by the proven ZF 75-10 motor tuned to deliver 122 ft-lb of torque, 74 hp, and reaches a top speed of 104 mph. Enabling the Speed & Performance Boost via the Cypher Store unlocks the full capabilities of the motor as well as upgrades the SR to Advanced Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control, which adds cornering capabilities to its existing straight-line ABS, traction control, and drag torque controls.

When equipped with all available Cypher Store battery capacity upgrades and the additional Power Tank accessory, available in early 2022, the SR’s total battery capacity can be increased to 20.9 kWh – Zero’s largest onboard battery capacity ever. Also new to the SR is the ability to charge from the public EV charging network via standard J1772 connections.

The 2022 SR comes in Thermal Red, retails for $17,995, and will ship to Zero Motorcycles dealerships worldwide through Q1 2022.

About Zero Motorcycles: Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains. Designed and crafted by hand in California, Zero Motorcycles combines Silicon Valley technology with traditional motorcycle soul to elevate the motorcycling experience for intelligent, innovative riders around the world.

John Burns
John Burns

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  • Jim Bob Jim Bob on Nov 07, 2021

    113 miles @ 70 mph. That totally limits my rides as I’ll be looking for a charging station well before 2 hours of riding. That’ll make for a REALLY long day. Also, rather expensive at 18k+ for a commuter bike that does the same thing as bikes costing 1/3 the price.
    But we’re green so every downside of this bike is to be forgiven.

    • C w C w on Nov 12, 2021

      It does the same thing with less maintenance, and lower cost for propulsive energy. Aside from the normal initial premium for big things powered by batteries, electric bikes simply don't have the economy of scale that ICE bikes have, or even electric cars. This is expected to change when the major bike companies begin to make them.

      A$ for green, it i$ the way of the world, $o, I gue$$ you go with what work$.

  • Mister 2 Mister 2 on Apr 22, 2022

    This gets dicey for me on the resale. If I buy the bike, and pay to unlock the full battery (ugh).... can I sell the bike with the upgrade or are they going to try and double dip?

    Also, they list a power tank upgrade, but they only quote the soft upgrade + power tank for the range estimates. Does this mean I can buy the power tank and get the soft upgrade included for free?

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