Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Japan, India, USA



Terra Motors - a Japanese company best known to us for its electric tuk tuk endeavors - has unveiled an intriguing electric motorcycle, dubbed the Kiwami, at the ongoing Auto Expo 2014 in India. A quick glance of the bike on the company's Indian website reveals a sharp-looking machine that might, just maybe, convince the deep-of-pocket to part with Rs 18 lakh ($28,690 US at today's exchange rates). A closer look raises cause for concern.
Certainly the pitch is attractive. Hand-made in the Land of the Rising Sun specifically for the Indian market, it's said to offer performance akin to that of a gas-powered 1,000cc super bike, while freeing owners from the tyranny of the petrol pump. All, however, does not seem as it appears, as lurking behind the twin LED projector headlights and under the concealing body panels lies an electric bike that we here at AutoblogGreen are quite familiar with: the Zero S from Zero Motorcycles.

Now, it would be a great thing if the Scotts Valley, California company had licensed its tech to an upstart Asian firm, especially one with confidence in selling 10,000 units in its first year. India has a huge motorcycle market and a battery-powered bike could potentially carve itself out a nice niche. At least, it could if it were properly priced.

Speaking with Zero's vice president of global marketing Scot Harden, however, we learned that the motorcycle maker was itself shocked to see the S underpinning the Kiwami, and that there is no licensing or supply agreement in place. Yes, they had shipped them a couple drivetrains for supposed prototype development, but the company has no connection to Terra beyond that. In light of the situation, Zero Motorcycles has now fired off a cease-and-desist letter and says it plans on seeking "legal remedy."Continue reading Terra Motors dresses up Zero S electric motorcycle, calls it Kiwami

Terra Motors dresses up Zero S electric motorcycle, calls it Kiwami originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 31 Jan 2014 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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