I’m new to your channel but I’m really enjoying the videos. You simply talk about that you’re doing, no opinions, ranting or swearing. You’re also a very talented orator. Thanks 👍🏻
Tried one of those FXSs back in may, only for like a couple of minutes, but I kinda fell in love with the way it handled. If I had the cash I'd be getting one for commuting instantly.
Some of the better e-bike roadtests there, Andy. Very helpful indeed and it's also reassuring to hear about the increasing ranges. Now all we need is for the prices to come down a bit (or even a lot). Cheers! 👍
Fantastic review. Got the old calculator out for the DSR and with the mileage I do, after five year, the bike would have paid for it's self with the money saved from petrol, tax and servicing. There might even be some saving from the insurance. The only thing I hadn't taken into account is the cost of charging but if I can get away with it, I'll do that at work 🤣
Andy Man Cam out of curiosity I did an insurance quote for the DSR. £1600 with over 10 years non claims. Ouch. Most likely because they are so expensive to buy and my commuting mileage being rather high.
I think for commuting, they'Re absolutely perfect. Touring could be possible now, with the right add-ons and a lot of pre-planning to make sure your coffee stops have a type II charging point on hand!! Not far off now though.
Great video, and nice seeing one of the OEM boys, I've watched some of their custom videos. Tonnes of potential in electric stuff, I recently watched a review on a Vespa-style electric scooter which would be a great second bike to have in the stable
Cheers mate. I agree. Strangely more-ish! How did you get on with the slightly longer term test? I'm sure you'll be answering that question in a video soon enough!!
The best review on electric motorbikes I've seen. 👍 Still very expensive commuters at the moment but if the new battery technology you mentioned at the end can match its pre production bragging then we're getting closer. I think the current off road version would be very well received in the countryside in view of the lack of noise, but I imagine still very expensive.
Thanks Michael. Yeah batteires are apparently on the edge of a breakthrough that will change everything. Better hurry up before I'm too old to enjoy it!
Interesting. Given the lack of service requirements, these are a great commute alternative! I wonder if the promised for 2019 Harley-Davidson Livewire will be announces in August with the other 2019 models. I am looking forward to trying that!
The Zero DS needs traction control with all that torque and lean angle TC at that. It does have ABS though? Does it have cruise control? 120 mile range is a deal maker. If it increased to 200-250 miles then they would not be able to make them fast enough I would guess. Also need one that would match super moto performance such as the KTM SD1290R. Were you able to wheelie the DS? Did it feel quicker than your own bike AMC?
I think the throttle mapping has been done in such a way as to actually limit the low down torque somewhat. I never came close to lifting the fron or spinning the wheel. I think the only real trouble comes when the ground is loose or wet. No cruise control, but I would imagine all of these luxury features will be along after the core product is perfected. Up and up! From 0-40 I'd say the DSR WAS quicker than my FZ1. But at 5-6000 rpm the FZ1 comes alive and it's all over!!
I got an electric car a little over a year ago, and it's the best car I've ever had... I'll never go back to an ICE car. Next for me will be an electric bike. I LOVE the quiet, which I know is contrary to most bike riders. But honestly, it makes the riding experience (especially in the country), soooo much more enjoyable.
I can totally imagine. I do a fair bit of long distance motorway in my car otherwise electric might well have been an option. I think I would miss the sound a fair bit, but I can completely see that in the countryside, it changes the experience. You're more connected with the world around you, when you can hear it!!
love the concept of old school mixed with new. Gotta love a big ol bag of instant torque, didn't the Missenden Flyer crash one of these due to the hit of utter torque? I love the concept of electric bikes, not sure if I am ready to jump yet but they are getting more and more tempting. I quite like the idea of the KTM Freeride E SM, although I think KTM have dropped that version for now which is sad as they have added 50% to the battery life on the latest version, be an ace short distance commuter!
As well as time how much would it typically cost to charge the battery from empty on the Zero DS? Cheaper than a tank of fuel £20? Also presumably no road tax to pay on these bikes either?
Full tank is about a quid or two. Lots of free chargers around too; I charge my DSR for free at campsites in New Zealand - 1200kms trip over Christmas cost me $7!
Come in every yr , so you can get an inspection and also apply for a big bank loan when the battery needs replacement likely within 5yrs ,,, you didn’t mention this Andy .?
EV batteries will massively outlast the motorbike (or car, lorry, ferry, plane...) itself 99.99% of the time; thankfully many independently run scientific tests have now proved this time and time again :-)
But then if you'Re doing nothing but top speed on the motorway then these probably aren't the right bike for your needs. I managed 70 miles on the country roads with half a battery left. That's the kind of riding they're meant for. That and of course boring commuting!!
@@AndyManCam Six months later, but on which bike did you get the 70 miles/50%? I've got a friend with a Beemer GX650, which has a range of 140 - 150 miles. We can spend eight hours just riding round on local (Lake District) roads and not get near that, so the sort of range you mention would be ideal. If I want to go touring/longer rides, I'll use my FJ. Incidentally, that FXS puts out just about the same torque as my FJ. Bugger, should have read the full list of replies before asking. :-) Definitely interested.
I wonder how many times you can charge the battery before it needs replaced ? I know on my electric push bike it's about 500 times before you have to replace the battery , and the cost of a replacement battery it's expensive.
Definitely the future,but have they got heated grips and a usb power point eh?😂🤣 Wonder if there is a subsidy for buying one.......or is that only for cars?🤨🤔 Nice little excursion Andy.
I imagine at some point that the health and safety nutters will DEMAND that they have artificial noise creators built in for pedestrian safety! Time will tell!
That was awesome, Andy my Cam Man! I The price is still too-darn-high, as she said (or was it a he?), but they're getting closer all the time. The DSR especially looks very tantalising.
Thanks! Yeah they're still expensive in the up front costs. I guess they're hoping folks will also calculate in the reduced running costs and the 500 odd pounds to be saved every year in servicing. But definitely getting closer all the time!!
Seriously considering not buying "new" petrol bike again, given that most of the major manufacturers will have perfected something electric within 5 years. Have to admit that StarTrek whooooosh on acceleration could get quite addictive too. Thanks for dragging us in to the future.
I can see why. I see alot of attractive points to the new tech. For Zero, they've done very well to have a complete product already so I think they'll always be ahead of the big boys now. We'll see.
They do a good job with a tough product. The engine and all it's gubbins is what makes bikes look cool! So without one, they've got an uphill struggle to make it look 'right'.
I’m all for advancing technology, but I’m not sold on electric cars and bikes,the battery’s are mega money when replacement is due , people don’t mention this in reviews and of course still mainly charged by electric supply ,,,,power stations,,,not very green,, The good old engine, won’t be dead for along time ,,, 🤞 I HOPE cheers Shane 🇬🇧 uk
Good arguments mate. Thats definitely the sticking point. Batteries. But they’re getting better. Don’t forget that per mile, power stations are considerably cheaper and cleaner than petrol.
The future will really be here when they put the motors in the hubs and all the frame can be filled with battery. Edit: Well I suppose I should watch the whole video before I open my mush.
The problem would then be the weight and reduced performance. What's needed for mass adoption is the cost halving, the charging getting down to half an hour (some bikes can already do this way faster), and getting more power from lighter batteries. But if you want one right now, actually since 2014, you can get a decent range (300kms/day), 1hr30m charging, and more torque than a panigale, for about £9k. You ship a secondhand Zero from America and add a couple of secondhand fast chargers in the tank. That's what I did and am loving my Zero DSR :-D
What’s not to like, faster, cheaper to run & own and much less dealing with pesky main dealers for stuff like valve checks. I’m looking forward to owning one but for now they just look too weird.
I actually disagree. If you had the add-ons I talked about and planned your route to take in a charging point you could happily do 150km in the morning, charge over lunch, another 150km in the afternoon and then charge overnight at the hotel. 300km a day in the mountain twisties is plenty enough!
@@AndyManCam I did exactly this for 10 days over Christmas here in New Zealand. So it's defo possible. And I can only dream of a charging network as good as you have in Britain :-(
Everything about e-bikes is great. Everything about batteries is garbage. Who would sign up for a gas motorcycle with 70 hp, costing 17 thousand dollars, with 100 miles range which takes 8-12 hours to fill the gas tank from a pump?
The HP isn't the important number here. Off the line, that thing pulled harder than my 150HP FZ1. All down to the massive torque and the flat torque curve. Plus with add-ons you can charge in less than an hour and extend your range. Yes they're expensive. But what does a 20 thousand dollar BMW cost in servicing in 5 years? I'm just playing devils advocate here, but you can't deny that the bigger picture isn't as bad as it initially looks.
I work in mechanical engineering for a living and am paid to be critical, rational, observational, detailed. Batteries are total garbage when compared to a large, light, hollow cavity filled with liquid fuel. Even with the fact that electric motors are far far more efficient at their use of energy, the battery is still so poor a device for storing energy that the range is greatly decreased in comparison and the ease of filling/emptying a battery is terrible. Like I said, the bikes are great. The batteries are rubbish. Technology is getting better, but so is petrol technology.
No one seems to be dreaming of the day when petrol can be used to 80-90% efficiency and at greatly reduced emissions. Can you pack enough Joules of electricity in a space to power a motorcycle the same way that petrol does, which occupies the same space? Even if that petrol is used to 45% of it's energy potential and the electricity to 99%. I don't know the answer to that question, but I will say, a tank of liquid fuel is much more efficient, safe, and reliable than box full of expensive and complicated metal carrying electrons. Also in the petrol sense, very little weight and size penalties are present, when batteries have nothing but weight and size penalties, and take forever to fill, whereas the petrol just dumps into the air space quickly and safely until full.
I’m new to your channel but I’m really enjoying the videos. You simply talk about that you’re doing, no opinions, ranting or swearing. You’re also a very talented orator. Thanks 👍🏻
Welcome aboard DervMan! Thanks very much for the kind words. I'm very glad that you see it that way! Long may it continue!
Tried one of those FXSs back in may, only for like a couple of minutes, but I kinda fell in love with the way it handled. If I had the cash I'd be getting one for commuting instantly.
I can see why. The handling was razor sharp and it instantly feels like you can chuck it about! If money were no object, I'd think about it too.
Some of the better e-bike roadtests there, Andy. Very helpful indeed and it's also reassuring to hear about the increasing ranges. Now all we need is for the prices to come down a bit (or even a lot). Cheers! 👍
Thanks BK. Yeah, they're really close to being useable by us long distance leisure riders. Exciting times.
Very interesting. Look forward to test riding one of these machines some time in the future.
I heartily recommend giving one a go. I promise you'll be surprised how good they are.
You could go do track days anywhere,no noise regulations to worry about too!👏😎
Very true. It would be interesting to see one of those on the track!
Fantastic review.
Got the old calculator out for the DSR and with the mileage I do, after five year, the bike would have paid for it's self with the money saved from petrol, tax and servicing. There might even be some saving from the insurance.
The only thing I hadn't taken into account is the cost of charging but if I can get away with it, I'll do that at work 🤣
Thanks John! That's the kind of maths that will always make these bikes sell!
Andy Man Cam out of curiosity I did an insurance quote for the DSR.
£1600 with over 10 years non claims. Ouch.
Most likely because they are so expensive to buy and my commuting mileage being rather high.
WOW! That's a bit of a deal killer! I guess the cost of replacement/repair factors quite heavily in the price.
Could work well as a commuter bike. Not sure it would be much use for touring! 😁 Nice review and video Andy! 😎
I think for commuting, they'Re absolutely perfect. Touring could be possible now, with the right add-ons and a lot of pre-planning to make sure your coffee stops have a type II charging point on hand!! Not far off now though.
Great video, and nice seeing one of the OEM boys, I've watched some of their custom videos. Tonnes of potential in electric stuff, I recently watched a review on a Vespa-style electric scooter which would be a great second bike to have in the stable
Cheers!! Great workshop there! I could have spent all day poking about in there!!
Great review Andy, I loved the FXS when I had it quite addictive!
Cheers mate. I agree. Strangely more-ish! How did you get on with the slightly longer term test? I'm sure you'll be answering that question in a video soon enough!!
It's the future, no doubt. Great review.
Totally agree.
The best review on electric motorbikes I've seen. 👍
Still very expensive commuters at the moment but if the new battery technology you mentioned at the end can match its pre production bragging then we're getting closer. I think the current off road version would be very well received in the countryside in view of the lack of noise, but I imagine still very expensive.
Thanks Michael. Yeah batteires are apparently on the edge of a breakthrough that will change everything. Better hurry up before I'm too old to enjoy it!
Interesting. Given the lack of service requirements, these are a great commute alternative! I wonder if the promised for 2019 Harley-Davidson Livewire will be announces in August with the other 2019 models. I am looking forward to trying that!
They are definitely interesting bikes and looks like they might increase in numbers on the roads. They look pretty good! Ride safe mate.
I agree. They're definitely leading the pack!
The Zero DS needs traction control with all that torque and lean angle TC at that. It does have ABS though? Does it have cruise control? 120 mile range is a deal maker. If it increased to 200-250 miles then they would not be able to make them fast enough I would guess. Also need one that would match super moto performance such as the KTM SD1290R. Were you able to wheelie the DS? Did it feel quicker than your own bike AMC?
I think the throttle mapping has been done in such a way as to actually limit the low down torque somewhat. I never came close to lifting the fron or spinning the wheel. I think the only real trouble comes when the ground is loose or wet. No cruise control, but I would imagine all of these luxury features will be along after the core product is perfected. Up and up! From 0-40 I'd say the DSR WAS quicker than my FZ1. But at 5-6000 rpm the FZ1 comes alive and it's all over!!
Great review: very informative!
Thanks mate!!
I got an electric car a little over a year ago, and it's the best car I've ever had... I'll never go back to an ICE car. Next for me will be an electric bike. I LOVE the quiet, which I know is contrary to most bike riders. But honestly, it makes the riding experience (especially in the country), soooo much more enjoyable.
I can totally imagine. I do a fair bit of long distance motorway in my car otherwise electric might well have been an option. I think I would miss the sound a fair bit, but I can completely see that in the countryside, it changes the experience. You're more connected with the world around you, when you can hear it!!
Cool and interesting video Andy :-) Can any of the Zero bikes be ridden on L-Plates here in the UK ??
Thanks Russ! I don't think so mate. I think that they are too powerful for that. But all before the newest SRF can be ridden on an A2 license.
@@AndyManCam Cheers Andy :-)
FXS is learner legal
@AndyManCam can drive them on cbt and where did you get the sticker kit mate
@@officiall.a.z3499 Sticker Kit ??
love the concept of old school mixed with new. Gotta love a big ol bag of instant torque, didn't the Missenden Flyer crash one of these due to the hit of utter torque? I love the concept of electric bikes, not sure if I am ready to jump yet but they are getting more and more tempting. I quite like the idea of the KTM Freeride E SM, although I think KTM have dropped that version for now which is sad as they have added 50% to the battery life on the latest version, be an ace short distance commuter!
I believe he did! I like the idea of NEVER going to a petrol station again and NEVER having to oil a chain!! I would miss the noise though!
Andy Man Cam the noise of a motorbike definitely adds to the experience
An now that mine has a Cobra can, it adds even more!! ;)
noiceeee :D
These bikes are really growing on me but until you can go touring on one I'll wait. Any idea how much it is to replace battery?
I think that with the right add-ons and careful route planning, you could tour on them now.
Great vid.
Thanks very much Ian.
As well as time how much would it typically cost to charge the battery from empty on the Zero DS? Cheaper than a tank of fuel £20?
Also presumably no road tax to pay on these bikes either?
Not sure about that. Depends on your electricity provider! ;D
Full tank is about a quid or two. Lots of free chargers around too; I charge my DSR for free at campsites in New Zealand - 1200kms trip over Christmas cost me $7!
Come in every yr , so you can get an inspection and also apply for a big bank loan when the battery needs replacement likely within 5yrs ,,, you didn’t mention this Andy .?
If it happens within 5yrs, then it’s covered by warranty. Though the battery is a huge part of the overall cost. About a third I think.
EV batteries will massively outlast the motorbike (or car, lorry, ferry, plane...) itself 99.99% of the time; thankfully many independently run scientific tests have now proved this time and time again :-)
Look at the range on the highway. The big battery is only good for like 40 miles at highway speeds. 20 Miles for smaller battery.
But then if you'Re doing nothing but top speed on the motorway then these probably aren't the right bike for your needs. I managed 70 miles on the country roads with half a battery left. That's the kind of riding they're meant for. That and of course boring commuting!!
@@AndyManCam
Six months later, but on which bike did you get the 70 miles/50%? I've got a friend with a Beemer GX650, which has a range of 140 - 150 miles. We can spend eight hours just riding round on local (Lake District) roads and not get near that, so the sort of range you mention would be ideal. If I want to go touring/longer rides, I'll use my FJ.
Incidentally, that FXS puts out just about the same torque as my FJ.
Bugger, should have read the full list of replies before asking. :-) Definitely interested.
I wonder how many times you can charge the battery before it needs replaced ? I know on my electric push bike it's about 500 times before you have to replace the battery , and the cost of a replacement battery it's expensive.
The warranty is robust - 5 years or 220,000 city miles with 80% capacity retained. Charge cycles are not considered.
You have a cheat bike! Shame on you. You should cycle with no assistance.
Sorry lol
What he said!!
Haha! No thanks! It was warm enough in those leathers already!!
Definitely the future,but have they got heated grips and a usb power point eh?😂🤣 Wonder if there is a subsidy for buying one.......or is that only for cars?🤨🤔 Nice little excursion Andy.
Not yet!! ;D No idea on the subsidy front. I guess the government has bigger problems right now!!
Can I get a link to where I can get a supercharger attachment added to my bike
Www.zeromotorcycles.com 😜 Or get a Kawasaki H2!
is that an fz1 at the end?
Certainly is! That's MY baby! :D
i have one as well,great bikes....respect is due!!
I salute you!!
Been speaking to these guys today hopefully going to do some work for them! .... :)
Very nice! You'll have a great time Matt!
I am hoping to do some tshirt designs for them just waiting for Alec to get back to me. Www.mattrowedesigns.com
What graphics kit fits on zero fx/fxe ????
I think it was custom made by the dealership.
One day we will all have one, with big ass speakers on em.
I imagine at some point that the health and safety nutters will DEMAND that they have artificial noise creators built in for pedestrian safety! Time will tell!
Jesus, that's a lot of torque. You could tow with those buggers.
I'll have to try that next time!! ;D
That was awesome, Andy my Cam Man! I The price is still too-darn-high, as she said (or was it a he?), but they're getting closer all the time. The DSR especially looks very tantalising.
Thanks! Yeah they're still expensive in the up front costs. I guess they're hoping folks will also calculate in the reduced running costs and the 500 odd pounds to be saved every year in servicing. But definitely getting closer all the time!!
Can you talk about prices? Please...
I did! ABout 9,000 GBP for the FXS and about 15,000GBP for the DSR which is the top of the range.
Like the off road bike😎🤘
It's cool isn't it! Bit lary at first. I'm impressed that I didn't stack it instantly!
Andy Man Cam Bining other people's bikes is vollich okay😜
Some biker I am, I've lived in Norfolk for nearly 30 years, and I didn't even know they were there!
Haha! Best drop in and say hi then!
Never had a bike with "cylinders flying all over the place". I guess that would really make a bike vibrate.
You better believe it! It was the vibrations that stopped development of the X-7 engine...
Seriously considering not buying "new" petrol bike again, given that most of the major manufacturers will have perfected something electric within 5 years.
Have to admit that StarTrek whooooosh on acceleration could get quite addictive too. Thanks for dragging us in to the future.
I can see why. I see alot of attractive points to the new tech. For Zero, they've done very well to have a complete product already so I think they'll always be ahead of the big boys now. We'll see.
are they learner legal ?
Leaner no. A2, yes.
@AndyManCam with a car licence category a1 and cbt licence in the uk we can have this
What's the range like?
About 100 - 150 miles for the DSR. Half that for the FXS.
I have to admit that after a comment the other day when I said "they are boring" I quite like the zero.
They do a good job with a tough product. The engine and all it's gubbins is what makes bikes look cool! So without one, they've got an uphill struggle to make it look 'right'.
You should see roads anywhere in the US😂
Haha! I saw some fine examples in California! 🤣
Very cool bikes but they are too expensive and not enough range. Hopefully that will change in the future.
Sadly still true. 50% more range, 50% less cost and there would be one standing on my driveway already.
on the wrong side of the road in the lanes andy
There ARE no sides of the road in the lanes! It's all about using all of the road and maximising your visibility up the road.
until a car or lorry comes around a corner
Arse of glass? That was a Blondie song wasn't it? 😉
Just what I thought. Just like Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Arse. ;@)
That guy at the end looks like one of the fellas from Old Empire Motorcycles.
Edit: should of watched to the end before commenting
Hahaha! Many questions just manage to answer themselves!! ;D
I’m all for advancing technology, but I’m not sold on electric cars and bikes,the battery’s are mega money when replacement is due , people don’t mention this in reviews and of course still mainly charged by electric supply ,,,,power stations,,,not very green,, The good old engine, won’t be dead for along time ,,, 🤞 I HOPE cheers Shane 🇬🇧 uk
Good arguments mate. Thats definitely the sticking point. Batteries. But they’re getting better. Don’t forget that per mile, power stations are considerably cheaper and cleaner than petrol.
Gonna start hidding fuel in my ammo bunker.....Not now.....right now😜
TheLikeableRider.
Ammo Bunker
Fuel Depot
Cigar lounge
Home Brewery
Now that's a man cave
To and Fro I'm in!
Famous last words... BOOM!
Andy Man Cam they look really good fun to be honest, and let's face it, we may be on one in our life time.....unless you're already as old as Moses
AMC on a electric item!!! Did not see the day that would happen 😣 you my friend have gone down a few pegs in my pecking order. 😁😁
This is the second, no THIRD time it's happened!! I must be at rock bottom!!
The future will really be here when they put the motors in the hubs and all the frame can be filled with battery.
Edit: Well I suppose I should watch the whole video before I open my mush.
Hahaha! :D
The problem would then be the weight and reduced performance. What's needed for mass adoption is the cost halving, the charging getting down to half an hour (some bikes can already do this way faster), and getting more power from lighter batteries. But if you want one right now, actually since 2014, you can get a decent range (300kms/day), 1hr30m charging, and more torque than a panigale, for about £9k. You ship a secondhand Zero from America and add a couple of secondhand fast chargers in the tank. That's what I did and am loving my Zero DSR :-D
What’s not to like, faster, cheaper to run & own and much less dealing with pesky main dealers for stuff like valve checks. I’m looking forward to owning one but for now they just look too weird.
The cutting out of the dealers is my favourite bit! :D I've always been a self servicer so that's right up my street!"!
I want to believe it's not engineers but some stupid sales managers who decide there has to be some music as you start the thing :D
I think you'Re right. I can imagine the meeting with all of the engineers shaking their heads at the marketing muppet!
Will never take off until kryptonite is legalised, Liverpool the gateway full of amp heads
But I bought a pound of kryptonite down my local bakery last week...
We have cars now that can do 250+ miles on one charge . there is no chance of touring on these bikes
I actually disagree. If you had the add-ons I talked about and planned your route to take in a charging point you could happily do 150km in the morning, charge over lunch, another 150km in the afternoon and then charge overnight at the hotel. 300km a day in the mountain twisties is plenty enough!
@@AndyManCam I did exactly this for 10 days over Christmas here in New Zealand. So it's defo possible. And I can only dream of a charging network as good as you have in Britain :-(
Unigate milk floats they aint!
Absolutely not! Ernie would have been FAR quicker on one of these!
Everything about e-bikes is great. Everything about batteries is garbage.
Who would sign up for a gas motorcycle with 70 hp, costing 17 thousand dollars, with 100 miles range which takes 8-12 hours to fill the gas tank from a pump?
The HP isn't the important number here. Off the line, that thing pulled harder than my 150HP FZ1. All down to the massive torque and the flat torque curve. Plus with add-ons you can charge in less than an hour and extend your range. Yes they're expensive. But what does a 20 thousand dollar BMW cost in servicing in 5 years? I'm just playing devils advocate here, but you can't deny that the bigger picture isn't as bad as it initially looks.
I work in mechanical engineering for a living and am paid to be critical, rational, observational, detailed. Batteries are total garbage when compared to a large, light, hollow cavity filled with liquid fuel. Even with the fact that electric motors are far far more efficient at their use of energy, the battery is still so poor a device for storing energy that the range is greatly decreased in comparison and the ease of filling/emptying a battery is terrible.
Like I said, the bikes are great. The batteries are rubbish. Technology is getting better, but so is petrol technology.
Can't argue with that! One day...
No one seems to be dreaming of the day when petrol can be used to 80-90% efficiency and at greatly reduced emissions.
Can you pack enough Joules of electricity in a space to power a motorcycle the same way that petrol does, which occupies the same space? Even if that petrol is used to 45% of it's energy potential and the electricity to 99%. I don't know the answer to that question, but I will say, a tank of liquid fuel is much more efficient, safe, and reliable than box full of expensive and complicated metal carrying electrons. Also in the petrol sense, very little weight and size penalties are present, when batteries have nothing but weight and size penalties, and take forever to fill, whereas the petrol just dumps into the air space quickly and safely until full.