What they're essentially giving the award to is a concept. It feels kind of like awarding Dean Kamen an award for developing 'IT' before any information was released and it was revealed to be the Segway PT. Same thing bugs me about the popsci award.
What we know about the Empulse based upon the concept and initial release specifications:
* it will have a large format battery pack, likely in the range of 6.0 - 10.0 kwh
* naked bike aesthetics
* rough visual design
What's confirmed by Brammo to have changed since then:
* IET, motor
* J1772
* two-seat riding
* more upright ergonomics
What's likely changed since then:
* purported battery supplier (initially Leyden Energy)
* system voltages *may* be 88 V across the board, if multiple configurations offered
The production Empulse is a world away from the concept bike, though it likely will retain a similar visual appearance.
