Charging Across America Challenge Unveils Electric Motorcycle Record Attempt and Initial Sponsors
New electric motorcycle coast-to-coast record attempt to promote zero emission vehicles and America's growing electric vehicle support infrastructure.
- (1888PressRelease) March 08, 2022 - Gardner, MA - Plans for the inaugural Charging Across America Challenge (CAAC) were announced today by event founder Robert Swartz. Designed to promote the nation’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and the growing EV infrastructure network, the event kicks off April 18, 2022, with finish-line crossings scheduled in Redondo Beach, California and New York City on April 22.
Swartz and co-rider, Steven Day, will attempt breaking the cross-country electric motorcycle record following the original 2,906-mile route of the Cannonball Run. Both riders will simultaneously journey coast-to-coast in opposite directions, creating a unique “race within a race,” in an attempt to break the current record of 178 hours and 17 minutes.
Voltrek, a Massachusetts-based firm specializing in deploying EV infrastructure across the Northeast, recently helped set up a new ABB fast-charging system at Energica of New England Electric Motorcycles owned by Swartz. “Voltrek is proud to sponsor the Charging Across America Challenge,” commented founder and CEO Kathleen Connors. “This exciting cross-country race showcases the phenomenal power, exceptional durability and range of electric motorcycles. Both riders will visit dozens of EV charging stations, including hubs operated by ChargePoint, one of the world’s largest EV charging networks. This new record attempt will help dispel consumer’s ‘electric vehicle range anxiety’ by highlighting the nation’s expansion of reliable charging infrastructure.”
Both Swartz and Day will be piloting Italian made Energica electric motorcycles. Stefano Benatti, CEO of Energica Motor Company Inc., stated, “Real-world endurance contests are a true test of individual rider and machine, but even more so with electric powered vehicles. Strategy is more important than top speed, since air temperature, wind and elevation changes affect electric vehicle range far more than internal combustion vehicles. This requires precise advanced planning based on charging station availability and anticipated riding conditions. It’s a far more subtle and difficult challenge than a typical record attempt.”
Vanson Leathers is providing custom-fitted safety leathers for both riders. “We’ve worked with Rob for many years. We can’t wait to see who wins and what the new record will be,” said Vanson founder, Michael van der Sleesen.
“I’m delighted to have Voltrek and Vanson Leathers as initial sponsors for this first-time event. I’ve worked with both these companies and look forward to promoting their commitment to zero emission vehicles. It’s rather appropriate the record attempt will conclude on April 22 since that’s Earth Day,” said Swartz.
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