The landscape of electric motorcycles is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with innovations and breakthroughs constantly reshaping the industry. Among the trailblazers in this realm is Ultraviolette, a Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler startup that is garnering global attention. In a momentous reveal at EICMA 2023, Ultraviolette introduced its latest masterpiece: the F99 – a fully-faired, performance-oriented motorcycle that, when launched, will be the fastest electric two-wheeler from an Indian company.
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The F99's bodywork is laden with carbon fibre elements, including winglets and panels, integrated seamlessly into the fairing. These elements serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, showcasing Ultraviolette's attention to detail and commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric motorcycle design.
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The F99's active aerodynamics package is a game-changer in the electric motorcycle world. It consists of two primary components: the 'air windshield' and the 'Air-Blade.' The 'air windshield' leverages two front cowl ducts to channel air towards the motor, which compresses and releases it through vanes. This mechanism creates a barrier of high-velocity air molecules that streamline the airflow over the rider's helmet.
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Track performance: The 'Air-Blade' is an electronically actuated system that automatically adapts according to the motorcycle's lean angle, contributing to increased downforce during cornering. This aerodynamic setup significantly enhances the F99's performance on the track. Underneath all the sharp lines lies a 90 kW (120 hp) electric motor that propels the bike from standstill to 100 km/h in a mere three seconds. This new liquid-cooled sensation is a significant step-up from the current F77. The F99 isn't just about quick sprints; it's also built for incredible top speed. With a mind-melting top speed of 265 km/h, the F99’s performance is on par with many Japanese 600cc bikes. The remarkable aspect of this high-performance package is its relatively lightweight construction. Weighing just 178 kg, the F99 manages to offer unparalleled power-to-weight ratio.
To handle the F99’s performance, the company has used a different frame than the one on the F77. The bike also gets some additional top-spec components such as suspension from Ohlins and Brembo monobloc callipers. While it seems that a 10.3 kWh battery pack will be used with the F99, specific details about the battery and cell chemistry remain undisclosed. This also means that we haven’t been given range figures, but if the F77 figures are anything to go by, we should expect a fairly impressive range from the F99 as well. Additionally, it seems like the F99 uses a 400-volt architecture for the battery rather than the 60-volt architecture on the F77, which would mean a significant reduction in charging time. Because of this, the wire harness and safety protocols have had to be significantly strengthened to handle the additional voltage.
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Ultraviolette's ambitions extend far beyond the Indian market. The company's announcement of the F99's global launch in 2025 indicates a bold step into the international arena. There is also talk of a road-going F99, which could mean slightly lowered specs, but the same kind of exhilarating performance. Ultraviolette's debut in the European market is a milestone achievement for the company. The European-spec F77, with variants like Shadow, Laser, and Airstrike, offers a glimpse of what the brand has in store for international customers. Registrations for European buyers will open soon, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2024.
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