LIGHTING STRIKE
FIRST REVIEW
P98
15,000 rpm at the output shaft
of its liquid-cooled 150V three-
phase AC induction motor made
entirely by Lightning, with a liquid-
cooled inverter/controller, rising
to 90kW/120bhp from the more
powerful 300V version that's also
available at a higher but yet-to-
be-revealed price. Both versions
deliver a constant 95Nm/69ft-lb
of torque available from 1 rpm up-
wards and are powered by Light-
ning's own battery packs using
imported pouch-type lithium-ion
cells, with an integrated thermal
management system, and real-
time data collection for managing
the state of charge and state of
health of each individual polymer
cell.
The Strike's range is claimed
to be 120 miles in an Urban cycle
with an 18kWh battery pack,
and in the 75-90 mile range at
Highway speeds, while Hatfield
insists that recharging time from
5% to 95% can be under 40 min-
utes with a DC charger. Claimed
wet weight is a contained (by EV
standards) 455 pounds with all
cooling fluids, 44 pounds less
than the LS-218, split 52/48%
along the Strike's 55.9-inch
wheelbase. And yes, Hatfield did
have to pay Harley-Davidson a
release fee to use the Lightning
(Above) The L' Strike in its
disguise motif. It's still a
secret but we got to ride it
anyway. (Left) Stopping is
provided by worthy Brembos.
(Right) The motor delivers.
When you open the throttle,
you better be holding on!
