Simplicity
is key to its design and, countering the weight of the battery pack, the
watchword is lightness. The motor and batteries are structurally integral to
the monocoque, making the chassis incredibly stiff. Arc is one of a tiny number
of OEMs to develop its own carbon swing arm, in collaboration with MotoGP
manufacturers Riba, which enables lateral flex for cornering stability, grip
and agility. The liberal use of carbon, and other exotic materials such as
quality alloys, exposed copper detailing and aircraft-grade aluminium, helps to
keep the machine’s total dry weight down to 220kg.
Founder
& CEO Mark Truman, the visionary engineer behind Arc, has undertaken the
lion’s share of track testing himself at circuits and airfields around the
Midlands, fettling the finer points of the Vector’s geometry and handling. A
notable design direction has been hub-centre steering. This is characterised by
the steering pivot points being inside the hub of the wheel, rather than above
the wheel in the headstock as in a traditional layout.
Another
rarity that Mark’s team has embraced is the belt drive, which guarantees low
weight and low maintenance. It’s also quieter and smoother than a chain drive,
and owners will never get oily hands. Arc’s technical partners represent the
best of breed. The Vector’s brake discs are Brembo and the calipers are their
Stylemas, but bespoke in black oxide. The Ohlins suspension is entirely
customisable, and the unique BST wheels are as light and strong as a pro race
bike’s. Anti-lock brakes have been provided by Continental, Pirelli have made
the tyres, the battery package is by Delta Motorsport.
Arc
is developing its own bespoke motor which saves on packaging space whilst being
light and very powerful. All the ECUs are automotive-grade. The packaging of
these components is masterful, enabling the lowest possible centre of gravity,
minimal weight, sufficient cooling and a short, nimble wheelbase.
In
addition to handling, a lot of development has been done on the powertrain with
battery cell suppliers Samsung and on the dyno and the track in order to coax
out every last drop of performance. The cutting-edge Samsung 21-700 batteries,
of which the Vector packs a vast 960, are some of the most energy dense and
reliable cells on the planet and the Arc Vector is the first motorcycle to use
them.
With
a 399-volt electric motor producing 133bhp and a weight of 220kg, the Arc
Vector will have the best power-to-weight ratio of any electric two-wheeler –
650bhp per tonne. Combined range will be around 270 miles. Zero to 60mph will
arrive in three seconds and the top speed will be 125mph. No clutch, no gears,
just you and the open road. Massive torque, traction control, ABS brakes,
variable dynamic modes and ingenious Heads-Up Display and haptic alert systems
make the Vector riding experience unique, safe and utterly euphoric.