Art Major Builds 'Green' Motorcycle.

Media Credit: Chi Hong Wong
Bruno Gallardo gets a warning from Campus police for charging his converted electric motorcycle on an outlet in the parking lot.

By Jacob Matthes Via: pcc courier

"If alternative energy is the way of the future, then this PCC student is new world in an old world environment.

Art major Bruno Gallardo transformed his white 1987 Kawasaki 2X750 into an emission free motorcycle that runs on electricity. After a few weeks of using an electrical outlet located in the motorcycle parking lot to recharge it, Gallardo was left a note from the campus police telling him to cease from stealing electricity.

"It could have been any electrical appliance. That electricity is owned by the college and paid for by the college, the outlets are available for campus maintenance use. Because these are not power stations…he was not permitted to use the outlet," said PCC police Lt. Brad Young.

Four months ago Gallardo ordered a conversion package from electricmotorsports.com. His next step was purchasing the motorcycle he was going to reinvent.

"I bought the motorcycle for $400. I took the motor out and sold it for $100. All together I spent about $3,500 making it what it is, " said Gallardo.

The bike looks like something out of a Star-Wars movie, something that would sit on the shelves of a Jawa sand crawler. It sprouts tangled wires and sat plugged into the wall, charging.

"No radiator fluid, no transmission oil, no motor oil, and most importantly, no gasoline. It's completely efficient," Gallardo said.

Six black RV batteries hang from the undercarriage surrounding the small electric motor.

The bike takes five to six hours to fully charge, and can travel about 50 miles each charge. Its top speed is 75 mph. Its overall weight is only 70 pounds heavier than the bike's original stock weight. The white gas tank on the top of the bike is still there, but remains hollow.

Gallardo takes pride in the fact that he now creates zero carbon emissions on his daily trips to and from school. He also seems to enjoy the amount of money it's going to save him in the long run.

"Each full battery charge costs approximately 17 cents," laughed Gallardo.

Gallardo isn't only out to save money though. He's just doing his part to save the planet.

"This is an example that change needs to happen. We can't wait for manufacturers to provide energy crisis solutions. If a 19-20 year old could do it, why not everybody else?" Gallardo said.

The campus police also recognize the direction transportation technology is heading. However, without any powering stations for electric vehicles anywhere on campus, rogue charging is a crime.

"As of now, we have no official powering stations for students, but it is something that is going to have to eventually occur," said Young."