Zero DS Sets New 436.5 km Electric Motorcycle Range Record

Zero Motorcycles has secured a new Guinness World Record for the longest journey on an electric motorcycle without a charging stop. A Zero DS model traveled 436.5 kilometers on a single charge, significantly surpassing the previous benchmark of roughly 311 kilometers set last year by a Verge TS Pro.

The record attempt was not a solo effort but a coordinated challenge involving three Zero riders navigating the French-Italian Alps. All three machines managed to outperform the previous record: Louis Renaud rode a Zero SR/S for 350 kilometers, while Jenny Brooks covered 384 kilometers on a Zero DSR/X. Jelle Verstaen, riding the Zero DS, ultimately pushed the boundaries furthest. His ride concluded only when the battery was completely depleted, stopping at 436.5 kilometers—a 125.8-kilometer improvement over the previous record.

The technical configuration for this feat relied on a standard production model paired with a range-extending accessory. The Zero DS is a dual-sport electric motorcycle featuring a 15.6-kWh battery and a Z-Force power pack with high energy density. For the record attempt, it was equipped with an additional 3.6-kWh Power Tank, bringing total capacity to 19.2 kWh. The motorcycle utilizes a passively cooled interior permanent magnet motor and a low-loss drivetrain, requiring no special modifications for the run.

The journey was physically demanding, particularly for Verstaen. The final 100 kilometers through the Camargue region were met with a severe storm, featuring torrential rain and gale-force crosswinds. In the last 25 minutes, the conditions intensified, turning the final sprint into a battle against the elements. Despite the adverse weather, the Zero DS continued until the battery was fully exhausted. Significant gains were achieved through careful riding techniques, including maintaining moderate speeds on quieter roads, utilizing alpine descents for energy recovery via regeneration, and optimizing tire pressure.

This record highlights the evolving capabilities of electric motorcycle technology, especially regarding range and efficiency. By demonstrating that standard models can achieve such distances under careful planning and specific riding conditions, the achievement provides a notable milestone for the electric two-wheeler segment.