Max Biaggi has set 21 land speed records for electrically powered engines at the Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with the Voxan Wattman. With a speed of 455,737 km/h, the Voxan Wattman remains the world’s fastest electric motorcycle.
In line with FIM (Fédération International de Motocyclisme) guidelines, Biaggi’s speeds on the Voxan Wattman were measured with a standing start over 1 kilometer in either direction, within a two-hour period. In accordance with the regulations, the terminal speed is the average value of the two speeds in these two runs.
Two years ago, Biaggi was acquired by Voxan, the French motorcycle brand acquired by high-performance electrical specialist Venturi and made the switch to electric drives.
The Voxan Wattman was initially scheduled to make its debut in July 2020 on Bolivia’s salt flats, but due to the coronavirus pandemic and consequent travel restrictions, it was moved to the Châteauroux airstrip runway, where the team set 11 land speed records.
Halfway through last month, the second generation of the Wattman was presented, whose weight remained below 300 kilos and it was therefore allowed to participate in this category. The difference in weight was mainly due to the new design of the Voxan-Saft battery.
Saft is a French subsidiary of TotalEnergies that specializes in high-performance batteries. Saft had used pouch cells in the new battery pack that make it possible to increase the battery’s power almost 80 times, compared to around 10 times stronger with standard products on the market.
As far as the drive is concerned, Voxan had once again called on the Mercedes EQ Formula E powertrain for the new Watmann, this time good for a power of 320 kW (was 270 kW with the previous Wattman) and a torque of 1,360 Nm.
Voxan had also made adjustments to the bicycle part to improve stability and air resistance. The wheelbase has been increased from 1,800mm to 1,957mm and the seat height has been raised from 610mm to 685mm. In the case of serious crosswinds, the team now has the option of adding a fairing section to the fairing that cuts the drag.
“In less than a year we have managed to reduce the bike’s weight, increase power and improve stability. After the records we set in November 2020 in the ‘over 300 kg’ class, these 21 new records are another wonderful reward for the Venturi Group, for Max Biaggi and for our valued partners, Saft, Michelin and Mercedes. I am pleased to think that the experience gained from this project will contribute to improving eco-mobility. I share these records with my country, Monaco, which is doing so much to promote sustainable development.”
“Saft is proud to have contributed to these records together with Voxan. The Wattman’s advanced battery uses our Lithium-Ion technology, which enabled significant bike weight and power gains and improved braking performance without compromising safety or reliability. It is the result of the tireless efforts of Saft’s teams on both sides of the Atlantic, who designed, tested and manufactured the modules of this powerful battery for Voxan in less than five months.”
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.