The start up’s first product is Arc Vector which aims to be the most advanced motorcycle in the world with first-ever Human Machine Interface (HMI)
With auto industry’s transformation towards electric mobility is on a gradual phase, none can undermine the importance of start-ups. They are responsible for creating new ideas and even making conventional car brands think entirely different beyond their status quo.
In recent past, we have seen big auto giants buying shares in promising start-ups or totally bringing them under their own umbrella. At the ongoing 2018 EICMA show in Milan, Italy a company called Arc has managed to lure in a major backer for its product aspirations.
Arc has announced plans for its electric superbike called Vector and Jaguar Land Rover will be investing a hefty sum through its investment firm InMotion Ventures. What has made JLR to suddenly jump in the bandwagon? It is due to Arc’s vision with the Vector as it wants to seamlessly integrate the motorcycle with Human Machine Interface (HMI).
If Arc can achieve its target, the Vector will become the first production motorcycle to have HMI. Arc, which has nothing to do with Hollywood star Keanu Reeves’ Arch bike brand, will use progressive design and technology “to transform people’s relationship” with automobiles.
With Vector harbingering a fleet of electric motorcycles, Arc focusses on environmental friendly and connected way of two-wheeler commuting. The Arc Vector is constructed on a carbon composite mix to create “Arc battery monocoque” while the weight is kept minimal using carbon fibre swing arms.
Details regarding the battery capacity are sparse at the moment but Arc confirms that it will have electric range of 120 miles (193 km) on highway and 170 miles (274 km) on city on a single charge. It can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in just 2.7 seconds and is capable of doing 124 mph (200 kmph).
Arc has partnered with helmet manufacturer Hedon to develop WiFi-enabled Zenith helmet that provides an integrated HUD for showing speed, battery percentage and rear in-camera display, and it can be controlled via voice. The Arc Pilot System uses audio for controlling the armoured Origin riding jacket that enables haptic feedback based on riding inputs as well.
Arc could only build 399 units of the Vector with each costing at $117,000 (Rs. 85 lakh approx) reportedly. Even if the money is affordable for wealthy people, it is yet unknown whether Arc can guarantee them the motorcycle or not!
Arc Vector Images
