Apr 6 2009
Zero Motorcycles made history today, after hosting their 24 Hours of Electricross this past weekend. The event was the first international endurance competition for off-road all-electric vehicles and included teams from around the world. Setting several world records including a Guinness World Record, over 50 competitors raced for 24 hours straight, only stopping to change out batteries and riders. In total, more than 4000 miles were completed by the field of 10 teams. The winning team was HotChalks MDV and completed more than a 1000 laps and 500 miles.
"This event proved that electric technology can endure the same level of competition as their gas-powered counterparts, however, the power resources to compete are drastically different. The total cost to power all 10 motorcycles for 24 hours was approximately $100," said Neal Saiki, inventor and founder, Zero Motorcycles. "From New Mexico to Canada to the UK, teams traveled from across the globe to participate in this record-setting race and to be a part of history."
"The 24 Hours of Electricross, hosted by Zero Motorcycles, was the perfect event to showcase what electric motorcycle technology can accomplish. Our team worked very hard to win this race and we couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome," said Edward Fields and Bryan Stolle, co-captains, Team HotChalks MDV.
Created by company founder, entrepreneur and former NASA engineer Neal Saiki, the 24 Hours of Electricross took place in the heart of the Silicon Valley at the 408MX Motocross Track in San Jose, California. This grueling 24-hour endurance race tested the limits of both the competitor's skills and their electric vehicles as they battled it out to set a Guinness World Record.
Collaborative efforts between Zero Motorcycles, Blue Ribbon Coalition, California State and Private Parks and numerous industry sponsors have made this seminal event possible.