Made in Minnesota — Assembled with pride and intention in the Twin Cities
Our First Build - 1972 Yamaha CT2
Strip, Cut, & Build - Changing The EV Market With Recycling Motorcycles
After months of work, our first electric motorcycle has been completed. Thanks to the contributions of enthusiasts, non-profits, and family members, the Volta Motorcycles dream has become a reality. Learn more about the highlights, lowlights, and our overall progress on the build that started it all. Thank you & enjoy as we continue to share our journey!
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Sustainable Electrification - CT2 Powered by EV3
September 2024 - Donation Day!
After receiving our first grant from Bridgemakers Nonprofit, we set out to find a platform for our first build to demonstrate our capabilities. After a long search and many considerations, we elected to accept the donation of a 1972 CT2. The open frame, simple construction, and accessible parts made it the perfect solution to our needs.
Home "Workshop" Teardown
25 stories up in Saint Paul, taking up space in Wesley's apartment, we started working on stripping down and cleaning the frame to begin sizing and drawing up our design plan. With safety and performance in mind, we put our frame's critical components under heavy inspection to ensure frame rigidity and prevent any unsafe road use.
Bare Frame Parts Selections
As the story with the CT2 and all future builds, we want to provide riders with a unique, one-of-a-kind e-motorcycle. Once the frame was stripped, we ordered new parts and components to bring new life to the Yamaha. Some notable mentions include:
- RFY Adjustable Nitrogen Shocks
- TZJ Ignition Solenoid for Redundancy
- BraveWay LED Headlight w Halo Ring
- Alloy Brakes
Battery & Motor Mockups
While we waited on parts, we began doing mockups and calculations of the different configurations we'd like to offer from launch day. For all builds, these mockups allow us to plan the structure design for our frames. Because of this meticulous planning, we're able to offer a 2 year powertrain warranty from the time of purchase.
Parts! Parts! Parts!
Is it an apartment, or is it a workshop?!?! As parts started to arrive and fill up what was left of the living room, we got to work installing the new handlebar, control switches, and accessory wiring. With quality being a huge focus, we spared no expense on everything top down.
Closer to Completion - Workshop Day
With all the parts and tools here, we were all hands on deck to get the frame rust-treated and painted, the new seat installed, the brakes fitted, and the wheels prepared for resurfacing. As we work on the battery and motor, our chassis is starting to take final form.
Parts Installation Complete - Meet the Chassis
After countless hours and hard work, all of our ordered parts have been installed. As we work on the final tweaks and programming of our motor controller, we're excited to get our powertrain matted to the chassis and the unit on the road burning rubber!
Welds, Modifications, & Fitment
Here's where the work goes from 0 - 100. New headlights, brakes, and small parts installed on our chassis day is an absolute cakewalk in comparison to mating our powertrain to the donated frame. A couple cuts to the frame, restructuring of parts, and a Coors 12 pack later, and the shell has been turned into a semi-functional motorcycle!
Meet our first build, 'Greased Lightning'
The first of many to come, Greased Lighting, a motorcycle that hasn't run in 50 years was brought back to life in a new light. Built by 5 college students in Wesley's apartment living room, Tyler's garage, and the Galtier Makers Lab, this motorcycle serves as the benchmark of our work and proof that recycled electrification is possible!
