Motorcycle purists either love them or hate them, but electric motorcycles are fast becoming a popular reality. From daily commuters to off-roading to track racing, we’ve seen all kinds of electric bikes hit the road over the past couple of years. There’s an increasing array of e-bikes catering to riders of all shapes, sizes, and kinds coming to market.
Here is a small sample of some of the leading OEMs and their electric motorcycle products.
Can-AM/BRP. The first Can‑Am motorcycles are expected to hit the road before the end of 2024. The Canadian Can-AM team is testing bikes in all possible usage conditions, and early feedback from test riders is that two new models deliver a powerful and smooth riding experience. The models include the Can-Am Origin dual-sport and Can-Am Pulse street bike, both slated to launch in mid-2024. Both models are still undergoing testing while construction is underway for a new plant in Querétaro, Mexico, which will produce the electric bikes.
Energica. Energica claims that the Ego is “the world’s most powerful and advanced electric motorcycle.” The Ego, which has been available since 2015 has an aggressive sport bike riding position, and produces a claimed 169 hp and 164 foot-pounds of torque. Energica claims the Ego can do 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and has a mileage range of 160 miles. The Energica Ego’s MSRP is $25,600.
Zero Motorcycles. Zero has made adjustments to the riding ergonomics so its bike is more comfortable and upright. Zero has put a more emphasis on street rider concerns, such as a 60-minute fast charge time and a claimed range of 187 city miles. The SR/S still brings good performance numbers, with 140 foot-pounds of torque and a claimed 110 horsepower. The Zero SR/S has an MSRP of $23,995.
Harley Davidson. LiveWire is Harley Davidson’s dedicated EV brand. The follow-up to the original Harley Davidson LiveWire is the LiveWire S2 Del Mar. Lighter and cheaper than the original, it’s the first bike produced since LiveWire was set up as an independent operation.
The S2 Del has had such rave reviews, that the 100-limit Launch Edition sold out in 18 minutes in the US. The bike’s famous electric torque provides a very nimble 0-62mph in less than four seconds. Powered by an 10.5kWh battery with a 59.6 kW electric motor, the S2 Del Mar sports innovative architecture–the battery forms part of the bike’s overall structure, saving some 50 kilos. The aim is to get 100 miles out-and-about in town and for an everyday commuter, this bike has been branded ‘the goldilocks’ of electric bikes.
KTM E-Duke. The already popular KTM Duke core model is being duplicated for electric power. Expected to be based on sibling brand Husqvarna’s E-Pilen, the two bikes are being built on the same platform but will sport differences. The KTM E-Duke is expected to use a 5.5.kWh fixed battery pack, as opposed to the removable one on the E-Pilen. Both bikes, however, will have a similar frame and swingarm and the same 10kW motor – enough to get about town and recharge quickly. The electric KTM street bike has no set launch date, though there are rumors of an autumn release.
Kawasaki Z EV. Expected to make its debut later this year, the Kawasaki Z EV is part of a duo, making up Kawasaki’s new zero-emission range, which also includes a Kawasaki Ninja EV. The electric motor is expected to have between 10-20kW output and uses familiar road bike suspension, akin to the Ninja 650. The Z EV, however, will be a smaller electric bike. While details are sparse, the Z EV displays Kawasaki’s signature styling.
Triumph TE-1. Now in the final phase of testing, the Triumph TE-1 has all the specs to make it a commercial success. The TE-1 has 100 miles of range and charges 0 to 80% in 20 minutes. That speedy recharging window is useful, as Triumph claims it’ll do 0-100mph in 6.2 seconds. Triumph is aiming to develop the TE-1’s performance to match the Speed Triple 1200. That’s why the TE-1 pushes 175bhp, at a peak torque of 109Nm. There’ll be refined electronics, such as traction control and front wheel lift control.
The introduction of charging station ecosystems, declining battery costs, and the development of battery management technologies by major market players is contributing to the electric motorcycle industry growth. Additionally, the inclusion of telematics, cellular connectivity, and improvement in aerodynamic characteristics of vehicles, are creating new opportunities for electric motorcycle industry development. PSR
Michael Aistrup is Senior Analyst at Power Systems Research
