The electrical bike market is a sea of shiny new renders and vaporware — filled with empty guarantees and teasers. So why am I excited concerning the Graft EO.12 grime bike? I’ll offer you three good causes.
The first motive is energy: The EO.12 may have the very best torque-to-weight ratio of any grime bike. The second is the crew: a veteran group of EV tinkerers and racers. Third? It’s an actual product with 2 years of growth and preparation. It’s been totally examined and is able to construct to order.
EV Nerds Rule the World
The EV world was a small, awkward place a decade in the past once I began following Graft’s founder Azizi Tucker. He was one of many first engineers at Tesla and I used to be constructing racing electrical bikes on the time. He’s a fellow University of Michigan engineer however lives and works in Taipei the place Graft is predicated.
I’m notably jealous of his profession with XING Mobility (the father or mother firm of Graft EV), a bunch based round making racing machines that appear to dabble in enterprise on the facet. Endlessly interested by electrical machines, we’re reduce from the identical fabric.
On high of the founder’s heritage, Graft has been planning this transfer for two years and it’s able to construct right now.
“We are hardcore riders first and foremost and we push our machines very hard every ride. As result, we have designed a very robust motorcycle to deal with the realities of enduro and even hard enduro riding. We have a very unique design in which all electrical components can easily be replaced in a matter of minutes if there is crash damage. We stock full spare components and ship to customers as needed.” -Azizi Tucker, Graft EV founder.
Graft EO.12 Specifications
● Weight: 110 lbs.
● Torque: 440 Nm
● Top velocity: 50 mph
● Peak energy: 34 horsepower
● Charge time: 1.5 hours
● Range: 3 hours (varies resulting from terrain and using fashion)
● Swingarm: Billet CNC machined 6061-T6 Aluminium
● Wheelbase: 53.8″
● Shock absorber: Three-way adjustable air shock w/ hydraulic bump cease
● Front suspension: Three-way adjustable 42mm inverted fork w/ hydraulic bump cease
● Battery kind: Lithium-Ion
● Battery pack voltage: 80 V
● Battery pack capability: 2.7 kWh
● Battery pack life cycle: 2,000 cost cycles
● MSRP: $8,500-12,500
Graft EV: Torque Talks
Graft claims the very best power-to-weight ratio of any off-road e-moto available in the market. At simply 110 kilos, the EO.12 is featherweight. Pair that low weight with a peak 25 kW (34 horsepower) motor, and I don’t doubt its claims.
The quantity that will get me excited is a whopping 440 Nm of torque on the rear wheel. Acceleration might be mentally quick as much as its 50 mph high velocity. Graft employs 3D-printed titanium elements to handle this torque supply with out including weight.
I’m calling it now: Torque-to-weight ratio is the brand new hotness.
Graft EO.12: Carbon Fiber Wheels
Fully 25% of the Graft EO.12’s weight discount comes from a full-carbon wheelset. Reducing the unsprung mass on the wheels ought to make this machine tremendous vigorous and snappy.
However, snappy isn’t at all times the adjective you need when speaking about carbon fiber. When broken, carbon can typically fail explosively. I’d be very nervous using this in a rock backyard.
EO.12 Battery
Graft claims the EO.12’s 2.7 kWh battery offers you 3 hours of path using. My guess is that aggressive using and sandy hilly terrain might reduce that in half, however such is true of any e-moto.
After a few hours of exhausting using, you’ll have to recharge anyway. The EO.12 might be able to journey once more in 90 minutes, simply sufficient time to seize lunch and a nap.
If you’re feeling impatient, the battery may be swapped out with primary hand instruments for all-day enjoyable.
Graft EV: Upgrade Ready
The Graft EV battery is future-proof by design. The firm pledges to maintain the identical battery form for the following 10 years whereas progressively upgrading its internals. These packs might be shared by all future Graft autos because it expands into different off-road segments, like UTVs and quads.
Just like most trendy EVs, the EO.12 grime bike has mobile connectivity, for over-the-air updates. It additionally contains a coloration touchscreen, so you possibly can maintain your distracting cellphone in your pocket whereas shredding singletrack. A cellular app and a web-based portal are additionally within the works so riders can keep updated with the well being of their machine.
Graft EO.12: Built to Spec
The EO.12 begins at $8,500 and climbs to $12,500, relying on part specs. With completely different using modes, no gears to vary, and a low seat top, this needs to be an approachable bike for entry-level and seasoned riders alike. While you could possibly pay much less for a fuel bike, the quiet rush of electrical torque is a severe worth.
Plus, you’ll probably save $500/yr on the entire value of possession whenever you consider gas, oil, and upkeep. Does anybody else on the market hate carb tuning as a lot as I do?
Expect cargo after you order an EO.12 to sometimes be 60-90 days later, however the firm says this will range based mostly on mannequin model and part availability. Graft EV is transport globally, but additionally engaged on constructing out a vendor community world huge.
Is the Graft EO.12 Worth Your Money?
I’ve witnessed — and been an worker at — many failed electrical automobile startups, so I’m hesitant when something new and glossy comes alongside. The design, energy output, and efficiency of the EO.12 look very properly thought out, precisely what I’d anticipate from EV veterans like Azizi. He’s constructing the bike I’m dreaming about, and he has the chops to drag this off.
Even with good funding and sensible teammates, it’s no small endeavor to construct and ship a brand new automobile. I would want to see a plan for U.S. service and help and a guaranty settlement earlier than shopping for my very own. There’s additionally zero details about the show and interface.
That stated, I’m nearly able to e-book tickets to Taipei for a take a look at journey! I’ll take my torque smorgasbord with a facet of bubble tea, please.
Stay updated with all issues Graft right here. I’m excited to see this firm’s journey machines on North American trails quickly.