Union Motion builds custom electric motorcycles to meet a eclectic range of requirements; from speedway and dirt to street. There is a growing need to engage people with electric vehicles on an emotional and practical level, this is essential if we are to make a successful transition to cleaner forms of transport. Motorcycles are an ideal conduit for this. We want to disrupt the trope of nostalgic and aesthetically led custom motorcycles by encouraging others to experiment with the possibilities offered by electric powertrains. To enable this we also supply electric vehicle components and knowhow to other niche vehicle builders.
The “Phaser Type 1” is our first prototype electric performance motorcycle. The vehicle incorporates a high performance electric powertrain into a beautiful, hand crafted form.
THE BUILD
The Phaser Type 1 started life as a ‘98 Fazer 600. We got it as a rolling chassis, just frame, forks, swingarm and wheels. Once detabbed, the double loop frame made a great base for experimenting with battery location and drivetrain layout. After a little trial and error, we settled on a conventional motor location, echoing the final drive output of the original engine.
The 6 kWh battery pack found a home above the motor and controller, snug between the two top frame loops, keeping the centre of gravity of its 50 kg weight nice and low. The pack sits on a set of rails that allow it to be easily removed from the rear of the bike. This means a fresh pack can be installed in under five minutes, giving another 60 miles of riding.
CNC milled sheet aluminium bodywork keeps things clean and minimal to allow for easy access to the controller and airflow over the motor. The tank has been reduced to the bare essentials, keeping the profile of the bike low whilst retaining the original ergonomics, allowing you to grip the machine around corners.
Finishing touches include our own programmable instrument, an Akira-inspired disc wheel and a super-bright halo running light.
- Year of build: 2016
- Chassis: Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer
- Top speed: 110 mph
- Range: 60 miles
- Curb weight: 160 kg
MOTOR
- Type: Axial flux, Brushless, Three phase, Permanent magnet.
- Cooling: Passive air-cooled.
- Continuous power: 32 kW (42 hp)
- Peak power: 48 kW (64 hp)
- Continuous torque (@ motor): 44 Nm
- Continuous torque (@ wheel): 120 Nm
- Peak torque (@ motor): 110 Nm
- Peak torque (@ wheel): 300 Nm
BATTERY PACK
- Chemistry : Automotive spec lithium ion.
- Type: Modular.
- Capacity: 6 kWh
- Nominal voltage: 88.8 v
CHARGER
- Type: Off-board
- Power: 3 kw
- Input: 13 A household
- Charge time: 2 hours
About the team
Dom Warman Roup – Co-founder
Design engineer.
Previously involved in a range of vehicle projects including drones, electric and hybrid vehicles.
Damien Clavering Tanner – Co-founder
Engineer, entrepreneur and investor.
Founded 4 software startups and taken 3 to exit.
On a mission to harness technology for a better world.
