French manufacturer Voxan have introduced the most powerful electric motorcycle in the world. The Wattman, an upscale and extremely powerful machine, is a milestone in French motorcycling history.

The Voxan Wattman uses radical technology and design, with an innovative approach to electric motorcycle construction. The smooth, yet unmistakeably aggressive design language screams business and it looks as fast as it goes. Performance is nothing short of seriously impressive. Going from what the company claims, 0-100 km/h takes 3.4 seconds, while 0-160 km/h takes 5.9 seconds. The top speed is 170 km/h. These numbers are thanks to an unbelievably advanced drivetrain which comprises of an ultra-compact 12.8 kWh Lithium-Ion battery and a star of an electric motor.

The electric motor powering the Wattman uses permanent magnets and puts out a whopping 200 PS between 7,500 and 10,500 electric motor rpm. That number is topped only by the eye-popping 200 Nm of peak torque it produces: between 1 to 6,000 revs, no less. The power is transmitted by the 35mm electric motor belt drive to the massive rear wheel wrapped in Michelin Commander II 240mm-wide rubber. Braking too is significantly advanced, using 230mm discs front and rear, with Beringer’s 4D System. The battery promises a range of 180 kilometres; not bad considering the whole bike weighs 350 kg. Furthermore, when using a ‘Combo-II quick charge’ power socket, 80% of the charge can be achieved in just 30 minutes.

The company stated, “Voxan inaugurates a new motorcycle architecture built around a motor-battery pack carrier set. The frame is replaced by an ultra-rigid exoskeleton, integrating all the components of the powertrain. This results in a very pure motorcycle without a visible technical feature.”

According to Sacha Lakic, its designer, “This aluminium exoskeleton which contains the battery is the motorcycle’s signature. You can tell from this design that it is an electric machine.”

The Voxan Wattman will be produced only on order, with each unit being hand-built in France.

Story: Jim Gorde

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The 2013 EICMA saw the Italian scooter marque showcase its highly-anticipated Vespa Primavera for the global market. The Primavera (Italian for ‘spring’) oozes with the retro charm usually associated with Vespa scooters, and from a stand-still, the Primavera is all about class.

Officials at Vespa present at EICMA pointed out a few significant features in this new scooter offering: a redesigned dash which houses a hybrid analog – LCD instrumentation, several relocated components, a bigger under seat storage, and a shiny 200mm front disc.

The Primavera has been stated as a global offering for the world markets and will be offered in 50cc, 125cc and 150cc versions by the Italians. The rumor mill in India is abound with stories that Piaggio might bring the Vespa 125cc Primavera here as a replacement to the standard LX 125 model too, although nothing official has been disclosed yet. We certainly do feel that the forthcoming 2014 Auto-Expo might throw some light on the Primavera’s possible Indian debut.

Story: Sayem Parvez Syed