Zero Motorcycles introduced its first full-size motorcycle in 2010 and expects to sell about 2,400 bikes this year, said Scot Harden, the company’s vice president of global marketing. That would give it about half of the global market for full-size, high-powered electric motorcycles.
In comparison, Harley-Davidson alone sold more than 260,000 conventional motorcycles last year.
Outsiders focused on electric vehicle development predicted Harley would help boost sales for all electric motorcycle makers by creating greater awareness of and demand for electric bikes. Yamaha also has shown an electric motorcycle.
“It’s the old ‘a rising tide raises all boats,’” said Gary Gauthier, business and technology adviser for NextEnergy, a Detroit-based nonprofit focused on energy development.