Lightning LS-218, a 218 mph electric superbike, unveiled at the Quail

The Lightning Motorcycles LS-218 electric superbike was revealed at the Quail Lodge Motorcycle Gathering on Saturday in Carmel, Calif.

Designer Glynn Kerr, clay modeler Jim Shook and Lightning CEO Richard Hatfield were on hand for the event.

“Since 2006 the Lightning team has been dedicated to developing electric motorcycles that meet and exceed the performance of the best ICE (Induction Combustion Engine) alternatives,” Hatfield said.

“To have broad acceptance from the motorcyclist community, we need to provide design, performance and value that competes head to head with the best gasoline motorcycles on the market. Lightning’s R&D team has developed electric vehicle technology through years of competition at racing events around the world. We believe that the LS-218 offers consumers the best of design, performance and value in today’s market.”

The Lightning LS-218 presents the first opportunity that consumers can purchase a production motorcycle capable of setting land speed records and winning road racing competitions that is as easy to ride as a 250cc commuter bike. Lightning’s LS-218 IPM liquid cooled 10,500 rpm electric motor can produce in excess of 200 hp and 168 ft/lbs of torque. Lightning’s proprietary Ultra High Power
 

Density Drive system allows max power setting without any concerns of overheating. At highway speed, LS-218 can exceed 100 miles range per charge with the standard battery package. You can use standard power outlets to charge LS-218. At public fast charging stations, it will take less than 30 minutes to charge.

The Lightning LS-218 is a direct street legal version of the same bike that won AMA and FIM races and set landspeed records. Customers can purchase a Lightning LS- 218 and have the same opportunity to win an FIM EPower race or set a land speed record themselves while still using their LS-218 as daily commuter bike.

“Consumers no longer are required to pay more for less performance to support green technology,” Hatfield said. “The Lightning LS-218′s can compete with the best ICE alternatives today. Lightning achieved the goal we set in 2009 to compete against and win against the best gasoline race bikes.

In June 2013, at Pikes Peak, Lighting won first overall competing against 93 other motorcycle teams (electric and gasoline) by over 20 seconds.”

In addition to the performance, Lightning provides customers unprecedented options to personalize their Lightning LS-218. Some examples of available options are fully programmable Android display, carbon fiber swingarm and frame, titanium fasteners, custom graphic wrap and seating.

The Lightning LS-218 has more horsepower, more torque, more speed and more performance than any other production motorcycle on the market.

Lightning is taking reservation right now. Reserve your own Lightning LS-218 today and be the first owner of LS-218 with VIN 0001!

By press release