Melbourne-based electric motorbike company Savic has unveiled its new C-Series cafe racer style bike, that is understood to be the first high-performance electric motorbike made in Australia.
The production C-Series – which was unveiled on Saturday via the company’s Facebook page – follows the well-received founders edition, and will be available in three drivetrain options with first deliveries slated for early 2021.
But you’ll have to be quick – according to founder Dennis Savic, 31 out of 50 first-run production vehicles have already been ordered.
Priced from $12,990 for the entry-level Omega option, its 25kW motor deliveres 110Nm torque. Its 7kWh battery offers up to 120km riding range on a single charge, according to the company’s specifications which are currently based on the 2018 prototype.
The next level up is $16,990 for the mid-range Delta, which has a 40kW motor for 140Nm torque and a 9kWh battery that c has 150km claimed range.
Top-of-the-line is the $23,990 Alpha, which has 60kW motor output for 180Nm torque, with an 11kWh battery that delivers up to 200km range on a single charge.
Acceleration from o to 100km/hr takes 5.5 seconds, 4.5 seconds, and 3.5 seconds respectively.
In the video, Savic revealed a number of design features that set the new near-series prototype apart from previous incarnations, and that he notes have all been engineered in-house.
“For the first time in the history of this company, everything has been engineered by us,” he says.
They include headlights which include both high beam and a daytime running late, and For the first time Savic has added its own branded head light, and redesigned the light mount so it bolts under triple clamp.
This has been done in order to house the digital display screen, which shows ride data via an in-house designed interface, says Savic.
The redesigned triple clamp also gives more steering clearance, says Savic, while the cafe-style handlebars are integrated into triple clamp. Those after a more raised handlebar can add that on as an aftermarket add-on.
A redesigned simplified powertrain cover offers “a lot smoother” ride says Savic, who says its “very sleek lines” means it is very comfortable.
At the front, two black forks sit above a redesigned front fender and front rim with a three spoke classical design with double spoked features.
Brake discs align with front rims, although there are no calipers as yet (Savic says they are waiting for some to come from Germany).
Fin detailing has been retained throughout the powertrain enclosure, in which sits the charging port to shunt electrons directly into the battery pack.
A lower fairing design than the 2019 prototype, with air vents at front to cool battery pack, is adorned by a badge which sports either the “CFE” – C-Series Founders Edition –Â badge, or Alpha, Omega or Delta depending on which option is chosen.
Savic’s own foot peg design, a rear pulley echoing the front three-double spoke and a belt capable of 190Nm torque complete the tour.
A new Savic Alpha non-working prototype will be on display this month until April 2021 at “Motorcycle – Design, Art and Desire” at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.
| Specification | Alpha | Delta | Omega |
| Power | 60kW (80bhp) | 40kW (53bhp) | 25kW (33bhp) |
| Torque | 190Nm (130ft-lb) | 140Nm (103ft-lb) | 110Nm (82ft-lb) |
| Range | 200km | 150km | 120km |
| Charge time | 4-6 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| 0-100km/h | 3.5s | 4.5s | 5.5s |
| Price (+ORC) | $23,990 | $16,990 | $12,990 |
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.