“We are excited to announce the Tachyon Nb, our new electric supermoto developed to break the current land speed record at Bonneville. Innovation is in Lighting’s DNA. This partnership allows both companies to take electric vehicle technology to a new level. Lightning's vision is to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and promote the adoption of electric motorcycles globally”, declared the CEO and founder of Lightning Motorcycles, Richard Hatfield, to inform of his new project in partnership with the Brazilian company CBMM, leader in Niobium technology.
The name of the Tachyon NB project is derived from a hypothesis developed by scientists in the 1960s of a particle with the potential to exceed the speed of light. The hypothetical Tachyon particle is therefore at the origin of the name of this Lightning motorcycle, and the fascination with advanced technologies is also relevant with regard to Niobium.
What is Niobium?
Niobium is the chemical element with atomic number 41, symbol Nb. It is a rare, gray metal, relatively soft and ductile, but light and with a melting point higher than that of platinum.
« This collaboration allows us to test an alloy that will revolutionize the mobility of the future. The Tachyon Nb is equipped with niobium brake discs which makes them more efficient at high temperatures. Its on-board charger, swing arm and chassis also feature niobium components that increase their strength and efficiency, while reducing their weight. », explains Daniel Wright, engineer at CBMM and responsible for project development.
The goal is to exceed the speed of the Lightning Motorcycles LS-218, an electric motorcycle whose top speed already reached 350,83 km/h in 2014. The Tachyon Nb will try to break the current land speed record and exceed the 250 mph (400 km/h) mark at Bonneville, when the salt lake will be passable. For the moment, she is driving on the road...
