436.5km ON A SINGLE CHARGE
A NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® TITLE
Zero Motorcycles
October 13, 2026
From the Alps to the Mediterranean, the Zero DS just covered 436.5 km in one stretch, making Zero Motorcycles the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title holder for the longest journey by an electric motorbike on a single charge.
The journey began in the French-Italian Alpine region, with three riders, three production electric motorcycles and a previous record distance of 310.689 kilometers to beat.
The plan was to ride south through France, crossing mountain passes, passing through villages and following country roads toward the Mediterranean coast. It was a route chosen as much for efficiency as for the journey itself.
By the time the riders reached the end, all three motorcycles had exceeded the previous record. Jelle Verstaen, riding a Zero DS equipped with a Power Tank, had gone the furthest, covering 436.5 kilometres on a single charge.
Louis Renaud (France) on a SR/S, Jenny Brookes (USA/Netherlands) on a DSR/X, Jelle Verstaen (Belgium) on a DS
“A record only means something if riders can relate to it. These were three production motorcycles, exactly as they leave our dealers, ridden on public roads - one of them by a Zero Motorcycles customer. All three surpassed the previous record. That is no one-off; it demonstrates what our technology can deliver today, and we intend to keep raising the bar.”
Why the Zero DS?
For the record attempt, Jelle rode a production Zero DS equipped with the optional, commercially available Power Tank.
The DS’s standard 15.6 kWh battery was paired with the 3.6 kWh Power Tank, bringing total capacity to 19.2 kWh. Aside from this factory option, the bike was completely stock, with standard tires and no record-specific modifications.
The DS was chosen with efficiency and rider comfort in mind. Its cast wheels offer aerodynamic advantages over the spoked wheels on the higher-powered DSR/X, while its lower-powered motor helps keep overall weight down. Although the fully faired SR/S is lighter and more aerodynamic, the DS’s upright riding position offered a practical comfort advantage for a ride expected to last more than eight hours.
The goal was not only to break a record, but to find out how far a production electric motorcycle could go on public roads, using the technology already available to Zero riders.
THREE RIDERS, ONE CHARGE
Jelle wasn't making the journey alone.
French Zero Motorcycles customer Louis Renaud joined on his own SR/S, bringing his knowledge of the local roads and serving as an independent witness to the attempt. Jenny Brookes, Sr. Global Brand Manager at Zero Motorcycles, completed the group on a stock DSR/X, camera in tow to capture photos along the way.
The support team had its own logistics to manage. One chase vehicle was tasked with capturing video throughout the ride, while two vans stood by to collect the motorcycles as their batteries ran down. With three different models, there was no way of knowing exactly when each rider would finish.
After scouting the route and grabbing a meal while charging at an EBORN Level 2 station, the group set off from Les Claux, Vars, in the French Alps at around 7 p.m.
From there, the riders headed south on smaller roads and French départementales, winding through mountain passes, villages and open countryside. This wasn't a closed-circuit test under controlled conditions. There were real roads to navigate, traffic to contend with, and occasional stops for snacks and bathroom breaks throughout the night.
As the hours passed, the Alpine scenery gradually gave way to more urban landscapes further south. Kilometer by kilometer, the riders moved closer to the Mediterranean — and closer to the previous record.
PLANNING FOR EVERY KILOMETER
Going the distance takes more than a big battery. Every part of the route, and how the riders approached it, played a role in making the most of every charge. The strategy came down to a few key decisions:
Taking the road less travelled.
The route avoided major motorways in favor of smaller single-lane roads, where the riders could maintain a more consistent pace. These roads are generally more scenic and enjoyable anyway when you're traveling for the journey and not the destination.
Riding at night.
While scouting for the perfect route took place during the day, night time was the right time for breaking a record. With less traffic to contend with, the group could minimise interruptions, unnecessary braking and repeated acceleration.
Keeping speed in check.
Aerodynamic drag increases with speed, so a moderate, steady cruising pace helped limit energy consumption. Where road conditions and speed limits allowed, the riders aimed for a speed of around 52 km/h.
Making the most of the terrain.
Regenerative braking helped recover energy on alpine descents, while anticipating bends and changes in the road helped the riders preserve momentum and avoid unnecessary braking.
Taking advantage of the technology.
Custom ride modes let riders fine-tune power delivery and neutral/braking regeneration to suit the conditions. Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed efficiently, while switching off the motor using the kill switch in selected sections was another technique considered to minimise drivetrain resistance and preserve momentum.
No single tactic made the difference. Together, these decisions helped reduce energy consumption and extend the distance covered on a single charge.
THE NIGHT SHIFT
Hours of riding backroads in the middle of the night can get a little monotonous. Each rider had their own way of staying awake: calling loved ones in different time zones, singing along to songs they’d had on repeat years ago, or attempting to pronounce every French town name along the route from inside a helmet.
Before setting off, we’d debated whether riding each battery all the way down without stopping would earn us extra credibility, or just be a reckless idea. We chose to take breaks, partly for safety and partly because it turned out there was more to see along the way than the inside of a helmet.
One stop brought us to Arles, France, where we couldn’t resist a quick visit to the nearly 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century. It’s hard to imagine the Romans who built it anticipating that, two millennia later, a ragtag group would be parking electric motorcycles outside to down a Red Bull in the middle of the night.
Of course, stopping for too long in the middle of the night comes with its own risks. Once the adrenaline wears off, your body starts asking why you're not in bed. So we kept the breaks short and pressed on.
THE OLD RECORD FALLS
Eventually, we crossed 310.689 kilometers. The previous Guinness World Records title had officially been beaten, and nobody was done yet.
Louis carried on to 350 kilometers on his SR/S, finishing with 4% battery remaining just as the rain started picking up. He was pleased to land on a nice, round number and, just as importantly, finally get off the bike and stretch his legs.
Jenny pushed the DSR/X to 384 kilometres — a portion of that ride carrying the videographer as a passenger on the back through the pouring rain — riding 15 kilometers beyond the point where the dashboard reported 0% state of charge.
Both had comfortably surpassed the previous record. But Jelle and the Zero DS were still going.
THE FINAL STRETCH
For most of the ride, conditions had been dry and pleasant. Then we reached the Camargue.
A major storm had moved across the region, bringing heavy rain for the final 100 kilometers. And in the last 25 minutes or so, things got even more intense: gale-force crosswinds and a torrential downpour turned the final push into a battle against the elements. After hours of carefully managing every kilometer and every percentage point of battery, the weather was doing its best to spoil the finish.
But the Zero DS kept going. Past 400 kilometers, the distance climbed until, finally, the battery gave out and the GPS settled on 436.5 kilometers.
That was it. The previous GUINNESS WORLD RECORD had been surpassed by 125.8 kilometers — an improvement of more than 40 percent. After an overnight ride that tested both rider and machine, the number was official: a new record.
HOW 436.5 KM HAPPENED
There was no single trick behind the distance. It came down to a combination of the Zero DS’s inherent efficiency, careful route planning and a few smart decisions along the way.
Before the attempt, the team looked at the factors that could make every kilowatt-hour go further. Quieter roads and a steady, moderate pace helped limit unnecessary acceleration and braking. Riding at night meant less traffic to interrupt that rhythm, while the Alpine descents offered opportunities to manage momentum and make use of regenerative braking. Tire pressure mattered, too, and the bikes remained in their standard production configuration.
The motorcycle itself did its share of the work. The Zero DS combines a high-density Z-Force battery with a passively cooled interior permanent magnet motor and a drivetrain engineered to minimize energy losses. Its regenerative deceleration system can return some energy to the battery, while its overall design balances efficiency with the versatility and comfort expected of a dual-sport motorcycle.
These aren’t record-specific modifications or secret technologies. They’re part of the production Zero DS. The record came from understanding how to make the most of them.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE IT OFFICIAL
After all those kilometers, there was still one last hurdle: making sure every detail added up. Setting a world record takes more than riding a long way on a single charge. There’s a fair amount of paperwork involved, too.
Working with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® meant following a set of requirements designed to leave little room for doubt. The motorcycle had to be commercially available and unmodified, which made the Zero DS, paired with its optional Power Tank, a natural choice. Even swapping to lower-resistance tires was off the table.
The preparation extended to the battery and the paperwork. The DS was fully charged before departure, and the charge port was sealed with tape so any interference along the way would be immediately apparent. To verify the distance, Jelle carried two professionally verified GPS trackers. When you’re chasing a world record, dashboard optimism alone isn’t going to settle the debate.
A logbook followed the ride from start to finish, recording times, breaks, location photos and witness statements. Manu De Soomer served as a witness from the chase van, while Louis Renaud followed on his own Zero SR/S as both witness and another rider with a rather ambitious evening planned.
At the finish, a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® adjudicator spent more than an hour reviewing the evidence, recording final figures and collecting statements.
20 YEARS OF GOING FURTHER
The record comes in a significant year for Zero Motorcycles.
In 2026, the company marks 20 years since its beginnings in a California garage. Over those two decades, batteries have become more capable, motors more powerful and electric motorcycles have found their way onto city streets, mountain roads, racecourses and trails around the world.
The technology has changed considerably. The question behind it hasn't changed quite as much: how much more is possible?
“We’ve spent 20 years pushing the limits of electric motorcycle technology, and our community has ridden millions of kilometres to prove it. This new record is proof that our focus on performance never waivers, and shows what can happen when you combine an efficient production motorcycle with smart, deliberate riding. Range remains an important consideration for electric motorcycle riders, but our technology gives riders the tools to make the most of every charge, from regenerative braking to an exceptionally efficient powertrain. We’re proud to show just how far a production Zero DS can go when those capabilities are put to work.”
THE RESULTS
On this particular ride, three production Zero Motorcycles set out from the Alps with one record to beat.
The SR/S made it to 350 kilometers. The DSR/X reached 384.
And after 436.5 kilometers, the Zero DS had taken the record all the way to the Mediterranean.
One charge. 436.5 kilometers. A new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD.
WANT TO GO FURTHER ON A CHARGE?
Whether you’re planning a long-distance ride or simply trying to stretch your everyday range, a few principles are worth keeping in mind:
- Manage your speed. Aerodynamic drag increases rapidly as speed rises, so easing off the pace can make a meaningful difference, especially at higher speeds.
- Keep your momentum. Look ahead, anticipate corners and traffic, and avoid unnecessary slowing and accelerating. Smooth, measured riding helps conserve energy.
- Make aerodynamics work for you. Your riding position and luggage setup can affect airflow more than you might expect. Experiment safely with different configurations to see what works.
- Check your tires. Correct tire pressure helps reduce rolling resistance. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures and use tires suited to your motorcycle and conditions.
- Use regeneration thoughtfully. Regenerative braking can recover some energy when slowing down, but avoiding unnecessary deceleration is generally more efficient than slowing down just to recapture energy later.
- Choose your conditions when you can. Warm air and higher altitudes can reduce aerodynamic drag, while wet roads and loose surfaces can increase energy losses. Of course, safety and road conditions should always take priority over chasing range.
Not every advantage was available to us on the record attempt — and the torrential rain in the final kilometers certainly wasn't helping. But the principle held throughout: understand the motorcycle, ride with intention and make every bit of energy count.
Check out the full video recap on YouTube 👇
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