Lightning Motorcycles Does It Again

Lightning Motorcycles switched to using Ener1’s PHEV lithium-ion battery solutions earlier this year to help it achieve better performance on the racing circuit with their Lightning SuperBike. That decision paid off several times this past week as Lightning set several land-speed records (see previous post) for an electric motorcycle. After achieving a record of 206.079 mph early in the week, the team later set a new electric motorcycle land-speed record of 215.90 mph during Bonneville SpeedWeek.

To achieve the record, the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals, Inc. (SCTA/BNI) takes the average of two runs. The Lightning SuperBike achieved an average speed of 215.960 mph with a best speed of 218.637 mph - more than 40 miles-per-hour faster than Lightning’s previous record of 173 mph. During the slower of the two runs, Paul Thede, who actually drove the bike to its new record, strapped a camera to his helmet to document the bike surpassing the 200-mph mark. Make sure you turn up the sound when you watch the video.

Energy Storage Gaining Momentum

According to Strategic Directions in the Electric Utility Industry recently published by Black & Veatch, the #1 concern for U.S. electric utilities is the aging infrastructure, which topped the list of operational issues by those survey surpassing reliability and regulation, which were #2 and #3. However, it was interesting to see three other issues listed in the top-ten:

• Water management viewed as a “Potential Game Changer” and Energy Storage gaining momentum.
• Lack of understanding and funding represent greatest obstacles for Smart Grid implementation.
• Electric Vehicles will impact utilities’ annual load over time.

Now that the Federal government has published its A Policy Framework for the 21st Century Grid, perhaps there will be more focus on education, funding and adopting new technologies to address the country's aging infrastructure.

Purdue Students Race Ener1-powered Karts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Zipping by spectators in electric-powered go-karts, students at Purdue University participated in the first Collegiate EV Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last month as part of the festivities surrounding the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. The picture left shows the preliminary race that qualified students to compete, which was held at the track on the campus of Purdue University.

Ener1 equipped thirteen teams with lithium-ion battery solutions and also provided technical support working alongside the students to help them build true electric vehicles and understand energy storage issues. Ener1 is helping students at Purdue, as well as other universities, learn more about the emerging energy storage technology field. University teams from all over the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland raced hard to win the 100-lap kart race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Welcome to Powered by Ener1

This is the inaugural post for Powered by Ener1. As a company, Ener1 is dedicated to helping its customers develop effective and efficient energy storage solutions for utility grid, transportation and industrial applications. We're also interested in sharing information and insight about our technologies, solutions and vision to help drive the future growth and direction of the industries we serve. In the coming days, months and years, we hope to engage you in this journey.