In a move surprising to no one, Ducati will join the rapidly growing list of manufacturers developing electric motorcycles, using a racing first philosophy by becoming, starting from the 2023 season, the sole official supplier of motorcycles for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, the electric class of the MotoGP™ World Championship.
This is a historic step for the Borgo Panigale motorcycle manufacturer which, following its custom of using racing competition as a laboratory for technologies and solutions that then become reality for all motorcyclists, enters the world of electric bikes starting from the sportiest sector, that of the electric class of the MotoGP World Championship.
The goal is to develop expertise and technologies in a constantly evolving world such as the electric one, through an experience familiar to the company like that of racing competition.
At the same time, the fact that Ducati forms part of the Volkswagen Group, which has made electric mobility an essential element of its 2030 “New Auto” strategy, represents the best prerequisite for an extraordinary exchange of expertise in the field of electric powertrains.
This first step of Ducati in the world of electric bikes will also have an influence on the evolution of the product range. Now, the most important challenges in this field remain those of the size, weight, autonomy of the batteries and the availability of charging networks. Ducati’s experience in the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup will be a fundamental support for product R&D, together with the physiological evolution of technology and chemistry. The goal is to study how to produce, as soon as the technology allows, a Ducati electric vehicle that is sporty, light, thrilling and able to satisfy all enthusiasts.
As part of VW, Ducati has the advantage of access to the auto giant’s expertise and resources to assist their transition to electric power which seems to be coming whether enthusiasts are asking for it or not. Change is definitely coming, you’ll need to adjust your expectations.
todd says
Just imagine if the Liberty Ace was electric. I don’t think it would have anywhere near the appeal and probably never would have been made.
Paul Crowe says
Yep, I agree. Now, the next post about the Jetson ONE, which is electric powered as well, is a different story.
With electric motorcycles or 3 wheelers, you get less range and long recharge times, you take something that works fine with an internal combustion engine and make it less capable.
With the Jetson ONE, you can fly, something no motorcycle can do, so range and recharge time are not comparable. It’s a mental shift.
Henry Lauenstein says
Think we are safe, pretty sketch from our Italian friends & electric at that.
There century long reputation for not being as bad as Lucas, Prince of Darkness must be maintained, a matter of Italian pride!
Yours,
Henry