The Mission R is a high-performance electric racing motorcycle designed for international racing competitions and as a development test bed for new class-leading electric-drive systems. It incorporates unique electrical technologies and advanced software to achieve new levels of performance and efficiency for alternative-energy vehicles.

Mission Motors of San Francisco, California develops advanced technology to control electric-drive systems in various types of alternative-energy vehicles. To get the most out of an R&D program, it is important to develop these systems by testing them under the most demanding circumstances and not just in the lab. Mission developed the Mission R because the added challenges inherent in racing-motorcycle design would benefit the development of their new EV drive trains.

The Mission R is the third generation of development prototypes and encompasses the very latest technological advancements developed by Mission Motors. It performs exceptionally well, and won its inaugural race (by a large margin) at the combined TTXPG/FIM E-Power race at the USGP (United States Grand Prix) in July 2011. It uses a 14 kilowatt-hour lithium-polymer battery pack to power its three-phase AC induction electric motor through an inverter, which is critical for gaining the optimum power and efficiency from the batteries.

In addition to developing the electric power train systems was the challenge of creating an exciting and highly functional racer – one that would be highly recognisable and stand as the icon representing Mission Motors as a leader in EV power train systems development. For the progress of alternative energy vehicles, it is important for them to gain wider acceptance. A way to encourage this is to make them aesthetically compelling as well as a viable option to internal combustion engine vehicles. The Mission R continues to work as a development prototype and racer, representing the unique design and engineering capabilities of Mission Motors.