On July 11th, Electric Superbike Twente revealed their groundbreaking new electric racing motorcycle called Vector-ST. The motor was showcased with an innovative battery swapping system at the old fire station in Enschede. The team, made up of students from the University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences, started designing and building the next generation of electric racing motorcycles in September 2022, bringing about a significant change. The new motor includes a system that allows for easy removal and replacement of the 860-volt battery pack within 30 seconds.
At the start of the academic year, the team focused on wanting to revolutionize electric racing and worked hard to bring about the most significant change. The new system allows for the easy removal and replacement of the 860-volt battery pack from the motor within 30 seconds. According to technical manager Marijn van Hilten, the advantages of this system are: "The range is no longer a limiting factor in electric racing, which is currently seen as a significant disadvantage."
Developing a battery swapping system led to several other modifications to the Vector-ST components, which were explained during the presentation. In previous generations of racing motorcycles, the battery was always fully integrated into the frame, requiring significant changes to the frame itself. The battery pack underwent substantial changes in terms of shape, size, and power, resulting in a much lighter overall motor. The new motor weighs 35 kg less than the previous racing motorcycle, which weighed 220 kg. This weight reduction improves the agility and speed of the new motor.
During the motor's production, the team closely collaborated with partners from different sectors, such as Ten Kate Racing, to maximize the potential of each technology. Nearly all parts were designed and made by the team. This approach ensures optimal performance during races and provides the team with a clear understanding of the Vector-ST's capabilities. After the summer, Electric Superbike Twente's seventh team will prepare the motor for the racing season with the goal of preserving racing for future generations.
Text and contact: Cynthia Vroling | Communications manager
TEL: +31 6 13227449 | WEB: electricsuperbiketwente.nl
