456 km/h (283 mph): the Voxan Wattman remains the world’s fastest electric motorcycle

Max Biaggi and the electric motorcycle constructor Voxan broke 21 world speed records at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility, at Kennedy Space Center (United States). The new records were set between 18 and 23 November 2021.

On Monday 22 November, the most coveted of all the world records targeted in Florida was beaten. With a speed of 455.737 km/h (283.182 mph), Max Biaggi and the Voxan Wattman claimed the prestigious world record in the ‘partially streamlined electric motorcycle under 300 kg’ class.

In line with FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) regulations, the Voxan Wattman’s speed was measured from a flying start over 1 km in opposite directions, within a period of two hours. Under Federation rules, the final speed is the average of the two speeds recorded over these two runs.

The Wattman’s GPS speedometer recorded a maximum instantaneous speed of 470.257 km/h (292.204 mph). The Voxan machine with its distinctive grey styling, designed by Sacha Lakic, set the stopwatch alight with a blistering performance.

On Sunday 21 November, a non-streamlined version of the Voxan Wattman without its fairing also took on the challenge over a distance of 1 km, from a flying start. The principle was identical: 1 km in opposite directions, within a period of two hours. Once again, the final speed was the average of the two speeds recorded over these two runs. The new world record in the ‘non-streamlined electric motorcycle under 300 kg’ class is now 369.626 km/h (229.675 mph).

Gildo Pastor’s team had a number of other world records in their sights. After these six days of attempts, the final record tally is as follows:

Under 300 kg class

– 1 mile, flying start, partially streamlined        : 454 km/h (282 mph)
– 1 mile, flying start, non-streamlined              : 368 km/h (228 mph)
– ¼ mile, flying start, partially streamlined       : 293 km/h (182 mph)
– ¼ mile, flying start, non-streamlined             : 285 km/h (177 mph)
– 1 mile, standing start, partially streamlined   : 273 km/h (169 mph)
– 1 mile, standing start, non-streamlined         : 260 km/h (161 mph)
– 1 km, standing start, partially streamlined     : 223 km/h (138 mph)
– 1 km, standing start, non-streamlined          : 219 km/h (136 mph)
– ¼ mile, standing start, non-streamlined        : 156 km/h (96 mph)
– ¼ mile, standing start, partially streamlined  : 149 km/h (92 mph)

Over 300 kg class

– 1 km, flying start, partially streamlined          : 408 km/h (253 mph)
– 1 mile, flying start, partially streamlined        : 404 km/h (251 mph)
– 1 mile, flying start, non-streamlined              : 367 km/h (228 mph)
– 1 km, flying start, non-streamlined                : 364 km/h (226 mph)
– 1 mile, standing start, partially streamlined   : 255 km/h (158 mph)
– 1 km, standing start, partially streamlined     : 216 km/h (134 mph)
– 1 mile, standing start, non-streamlined         : 216 km/h (134 mph)
– ¼ mile, standing start, non-streamlined        : 153 km/h (95 mph)
– ¼ mile, standing start, partially streamlined  : 142 km/h (88 mph)

“In less than a year, we have succeeded in lowering the motorcycle’s weight, while increasing its power and improving its stability. Following the records we set in November 2020 in the ‘over 300 kg’ class, these 21 new records are another magnificent reward for the Venturi Group, for Max Biaggi, and for our valued partners, Saft, Michelin, and Mercedes. I am pleased to think that the experience gained from this project will contribute to improving ecomobility. I share these records with my country, Monaco, which does so much to promote sustainable development.” – Gildo Pastor, President of the Venturi Group

“Saft is proud to have contributed to these records alongside Voxan. The Wattman’s cutting-edge battery uses our Lithium-Ion technology, which allowed considerable weight and power gains on the motorcycle and improved braking, without sacrificing safety or reliability. It is the result of tireless efforts by Saft’s teams on both sides of the Atlantic, who designed, tested, and manufactured the modules of this high-performance battery for Voxan in under five months.”  – Annie Sennet, Executive Vice President, Saft Space & Defense Division

“At ROKiT, we are absolutely delighted to see the Voxan Wattman achieve these new electric motorcycle world speed records, as history tells us that speed records drive rapid advances in new technologies. Technological excellence, allied with world-class engineering and driving, has produced outstanding results for us all. Many congratulations”. – Jonathan Kendrick, President and co-founder of ROKiT