Zero Motorcycles Awarded Grant for Advanced Electric Powertrain Development Program

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, was recently awarded a $900,000 grant from the California Energy Commission to begin development of a new advanced compact electric powertrain project. Additional matching funds from the city of Santa Cruz, and other contributors brings the total allotment to more than $1,840,000. Zero's next generation powertrain technology will be developed near its headquarters in the city of Santa Cruz which stands to benefit by economic growth and job creation. As part of this program, Zero will leverage today's best technology by working with existing partners and electric drivetrain component suppliers. By combining the expertise of its internal development teams with leading component manufacturers, Zero has evolved a strategy to ensure that its electric motorcycles will remain leaders in performance, range and efficiency.

"We are honored to receive this generous grant from the California Energy Commission and excited to develop this next generation powertrain technology in Santa Cruz," said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. "This is a milestone for us because it allows Zero to control the development of its entire powertrain just like legacy motorcycle manufacturers who build their own engines and transmissions. In addition, Zero's advancements in compact electric powertrains will benefit the powersports industry through the sales and licensing of the technology."

"Zero Motorcycles is a company that develops and manufactures innovative products in a competitive and sustainable manner and we fully support their expansion in Santa Cruz," said Bonnie Lipscomb, Director of Economic Development and Redevelopment for the city of Santa Cruz. "Essentially, this is about creating green jobs for our community— it's the best kind of public-private partnership."

About Zero Motorcycles:

Zero Motorcycles is the next step in motorcycle evolution and represents the ultimate electric motorcycle technology. Unencumbered by conventional thinking about how they design, manufacture, and sell high performance electric motorcycles, they are on a mission to turn heads and revolutionize their industry by combining the best aspects of a traditional motorcycle with today's most advanced technology.

Zero Motorcycles' complete product lineup is available for purchase exclusively through the Zero Motorcycles website: www.zeromotorcycles.com. Interested riders can schedule demo rides on the highly popular Zero X and MX, or the Zero S street motorcycle and the Zero DS dual sport model. To schedule a demo ride in your area, visit www.zeromotorcycles.com/locator.

The California Energy Commission grant funding is subject to final contract negotiations and approval by the CEC Board. More information is available at http://www.energy.ca.gov

For press information, videos and photos go to http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/press

For more information on Zero Motorcycles or to learn more about its complete motorcycle line including the Zero S, Zero DS, Zero MX and Zero X motorcycles, visit: http://www.zeromotorcycles.com

SOURCE Zero Motorcycles

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