Tag Archives: Electromobility

$500 Off + Bonus Rack with CUx Ducati Special Edition⚡

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Super SOCO has teamed up with Ducati to create the CUx Ducati Special Edition electric scooter – a luxury version of the CUx model. To celebrate the last of the Ducati Special Edition CUx Smart Scooters, Super SOCO is giving you $500 off the ride away price, plus a BONUS rear carrier rack!*

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Ducati’s new electric MotoE prototype turns laps at Misano

Ducati V21L electric prototype on track

Starting from the 2023 season, Ducati will be the sole supplier of motorcycles for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, the electric class of the MotoGP World Championship and Ducati’s electric motorcycle prototype, code-named “V21L” turned laps this week at Misano with MotoGP Test rider Michele Pirro at the controls.

Ducati V21L electric prototype for MotoE 2023
Michele Pirro, Ducati test rider

Testing the MotoE prototype on the circuit was a great thrill, because it marks the beginning of an important chapter in Ducati history. The bike is light and already has a good balance. Furthermore, the throttle connection in the first opening phase and the ergonomics are very similar to those of a MotoGP bike. If it weren’t for the silence and for the fact that in this test, we decided to limit the power output to just 70% of performance, I could easily have imagined that I was riding my bike.

Ducati V21L electric prototype for MotoE 2023

The V21L is the result of the joint work of the Ducati Corse team and the Ducati R&D engineers, led by Roberto Canè, Ducati eMobility Director, and was taken out on track by Michele Pirro, professional rider and Ducati test rider since 2013, who evaluated the technical characteristics and potential of Ducati’s first electric motorcycle.

Roberto Canè, Ducati eMobility Director

We are experiencing a truly extraordinary moment. I find it hard to believe it is reality and still not a dream! The first electric Ducati on the track is exceptional not only for its uniqueness but also for the type of undertaking: challenging both for its performance objectives and for its extremely short timescales. Precisely for this reason, the work of the whole team dedicated to the project has been incredible and today’s result repays us for the efforts made in recent months. We are certainly not finished yet; indeed, we know that the road ahead is still very long, but in the meantime, we have laid a first important ‘brick’.”

Ducati V21L electric prototype for MotoE 2023

The most important challenges in the development of an electric racing motorcycle remain related to the size, weight and range of the batteries. Ducati’s goal is to make electric motorcycles that are high-performance and characterised by their lightness available to all FIM Enel MotoE World Cup participants. The focus of the project are, in addition to better performance, the containment of weight and the consistency of power delivery during the race, obtained thanks to the attention in the development of a cooling system suitable for the objective.

Ducati V21L electric prototype for MotoE 2023

Ducati’s experience in the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup will be a fundamental support for product R&D. The goal is to create, as soon as the technology allows it, a Ducati electric vehicle for road use that is sporty, light, exciting and able to satisfy all enthusiasts.

Ducati V21L electric prototype for MotoE 2023

Source: MCNews.com.au

80 hp – 110 kg electric motocross bike to go on sale in Australia

Stark VARG electric motorcross bike

No it’s not made by the fictional Tony Stark character of Marvel movies fame but the new Stark VARG electric motorcross bike would certainly fit with that script and Stark Future CEO and Co-Founder Anton Wass could pass for a Marvel character.

Stark Future CEO and Co-Founder Anton Wass

VARG is Swedish for strong wolf and with 80 horsepower it certainly has some fangs.  With customisable power modes that can mimic anything from a 125 cc two-stroke to a 650 cc four-stroke, it can also play many different characters. 

Stark VARG electric motorcross bike

The bike’s power curve, engine-braking, traction control and virtual flywheel weight can be tuned in a few seconds and through as many as 100 ride ‘modes’.  Be nice if the audio track changed with the selection though…

Stark VARG electric motorcross bike – Josh Hill

The chassis is a combination of carbon-fibre, magnesium and aerospace grade aluminium which along with the 32 kg – 6kWh battery system sees the manufacturer claim a ready to ride weight of 110 kg. That’s a power to weight ratio that bests anything else currently racing on motocross tracks. 

80 horsepower and that big EV torque means plenty of mumbo

They also claim a riding range comparable to a conventional 450 motocrosser, six-hours of trail riding, or an MXGP race distance at maximum attack.  Recharge times are quoted as 1-2 hours. 

Stark VARG electric motorcross bike

For those that know about such EV things Stark claims that their ‘powerplant has been forged with advanced tech and ideas, such as the patent-pending magnesium honeycomb casing, ‘slippery-fingers’ cell holders, a pressure relief system and a one-sided powerboard configuring the battery cells. The ‘flying V’ system connects every cell directly to the tough, waterproof casing. This brings high conductivity to the air-cooled structure. The result is a very even and regular battery temperature that removes unnecessary weight for water or vapour cooling.’

No clutch and no gears

No radiators, fuel tank or air-box means that the VARG should offer great ergonomics.

Stark VARG electric motorcross bike

Stark have not tried to reinvent the wheel when it comes to suspension and use industry standard Kayaba forks and shock.

CNC-machined 6082 T6 aluminum hubs, 7050 T6 rims, spokes made in Italy from high-grade steel and Pirelli MX32 tyres

Stark originates from Sweden and was established in 2019 but has put its roots down on the fringes of Barcelona.

Patent-pending super-robust ‘floating’ dual compound skid plate that removes the need for a lower section of the frame

The company plans to self-distribute in Australia and told MCNews.com.au that an Australian location and warehouse is currently being finalised. Pricing in Europe is 11,900 EURO which translates to around $19,000 AUD. 

Hopefully it will land in Australia under 20k

Anton Wass, Stark Future CEO and Co-Founder

It is a very proud moment for us to finally start talking and showing the Stark VARG. As motocross riders and fans, we knew that the sport was in a chronic state, and we are losing tracks in Europe every week. It felt like motocross was going backwards while the potential for innovation with electric mobility is going quickly forwards. Our motivation was born out of frustration with the scene and the need to contribute something that would help our world and our surroundings. It’s been a fantastic journey so far and it’s exciting to see how the Stark VARG had exceeded our expectations. From a business perspective, we also wanted to set the bar in motocross because it is the toughest challenge for material and technical ideas before we move on to produce a full range of on-and-off-road motorcycles. Riders are going to love the full potential of the Stark VARG and the amount of ‘clean’ and easy fun it provides. We aimed to produce something greener and better, and we think anyone trying the bike will agree that we reached our vision.”   


Testing Director and former World Champion Sébastien Tortelli

When I first jumped on the Stark VARG it was a step into the unknown. The very first impression was from the outright performance; it was much more than I expected,” commented Testing Director and former World Champion and AMA Supercross race winner Sébastien Tortelli. “Suspension-wise, chassis-wise I immediately felt at home. This is a real motocross bike. I had to learn about the electric power and I was surprised of how fast I adapted and how fun it is to ride. We have done quite a lot of development work already. The chassis is balanced as well as nimble. The light weight means you can really move around it with ease and attack those jumps and sections. I feel awesome on the track and I can race with this bike, and this is what we are aiming for. It’s an amazing experience to ride in silence! You can hear the way the bike picks up traction, the impact of the stones and the jumps. It’s an amazing sensation.

Sébastien Tortelli and Josh Hill

AMA Supercross race winner Josh Hill

It is probably the most responsive power I’ve ever felt on a bike. The designers have done an amazing job with the chassis and the ergonomics right out of the gate. There was very little to adjust. I also love the ‘one size fits all’ idea: someone with very little experience of a dirtbike can feel safe and have fun – especially compared with trying to get their head around a new 250 or 450 – but then the serious racers or free-riders can make it as explosive as they want. The possibilities with the Stark VARG are endless. Once you’ve ridden an electric bike then its unlike anything else.

Josh Hill

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Honda expands details on swappable battery tech

Honda Mobile Power Pack initiative


Honda have revealed further details around the Honda Mobile Power Pack or MPP, which will be the manufacturer’s portable and swappable battery system, and also seeks to address some of the issues inherent in some renewable energy with its implementation.

A big detail here was in achieving an adequate electricity supply-demand balance by installing a “buffer function” using MPP and other devices.

Honda's MPP system could be used to charge swappable batteries, with the power also available to be put back into the grid during shortages
Honda’s MPP system could be used to charge swappable batteries, with the power also available to be put back into the grid during shortages

This is introduced as being to improve usability of renewable energy by addressing its sensitivity to natural conditions, by reducing the charging load on the power grid. Also considered is the possibility of supplying electricity stored in MPP back to the power grid in case of a power shortage. In other words, the batteries charge when renewable energy is available and feed back in when it’s not in a flexible way.

Honda is aiming for carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities Honda is involved in by 2050, including developing the concept of “Honda eMaaS” through which Honda will contribute by connecting electrified mobility products and energy service.

Part of the concept is to help offset the issues with renewable energy like solar which vary by time of day

Based on this concept, Honda will expand the use of renewable energy by broadening the range of electrified products through electrification of its motorcycle and automobile products and through more utilisation of MPP and also by enabling infrastructure-linked smart power operations.

With the expanded use of MPP, it will become easier to use renewable energy which is sensitive to natural conditions. For instance, when an excess amount of electricity is generated during daytime hours through solar power generation, MPP will serve as a buffer by storing such excess electricity. Then, during late afternoon hours when electricity supply runs short of the demand, the electricity stored in the MPP during the daytime can be used to achieve peak-load shifting (or “peak shaving” that lowers and smooths out peak loads) to reduce the charging load on the power grid.

The MPP system is already being explored in some nations

At the same time, Honda is also exploring secondary use (repurposing) of MPP when it becomes unsuitable for the use of mobility products due to a reduced battery capacity as a result of degradation, including uses as a storage battery for household use and as a power source for other products. To aid this Honda has been working toward the establishment of industry standards for portable and swappable batteries.

Honda introduced MPP in 2017. The utilisation of MPP began when it was applied to a Honda electric motorcycle model which went on sale in 2018. The new GYRO CANOPY e: business-use electric three-wheeled scooter which just went on sale features Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (MPP e:), an all-new MPP with an increased battery capacity.

MPP is described as being used for small electric mobility vehicles

Current projects focusing on MPP include:

  • Since February 2019, Honda has been conducting demonstration testing in the Philippines for the utilization of surplus electricity using MPP and electric motorcycles for the purpose of realizing “local generation and local consumption” of electricity from renewable energy sources.
  • Since July 2019, Honda has been conducting demonstration testing in Indonesia of battery sharing using MPP and electric motorcycles for the purpose of accelerating electrification of mobility products and expanding the use of renewable energy.
  • Since February 2021, Honda has been conducting demonstration testing of battery sharing for electric tricycle taxies in India.
  • In light of the results of this demonstration testing, Honda will begin a battery sharing service in India, using the MPP e: in the first half of 2022.
India is the next market with MPP implementation planned for testing

MPP e features

The MPP e is a lithium-ion battery capable of storing a large amount of electricity, more than 1.3kW, which can be utilized as a power source for a broad range of electric devices including small-sized mobility products.

  • High versatility: In addition to mobility products, MPP e: can be utilized as a power source for a broad range of compatible devices.
  • High durability: By considering heat dissipation during continuous discharging, deterioration due to high temperature is prevented, and sufficient water resistance, vibration resistance and shock resistance are ensured under the expected normal operating environment.

Data utilisation: The built-in control unit recognizes the conditions of the MPP e: and records the occurrence of all events. This data will be collected through the connector while MPP e is charging and then utilised for the battery sharing operation and other secondary uses.

This gives us a glimpse of how a battery swapping system would work, although a 1.3 kW battery as mentioned is for reference less than 10% of the capacity of a Harley-Davidson Livewire battery

Source: MCNews.com.au

Ducati to power MotoE grid from season 2023

Ducati to supply electric bikes for MotoE grid from 2023

Ducati’s Claudio Domenicali and Dorna’s Carmelo Ezpeleta have made a joint announcement that Ducati would be the new supplier of MotoE bikes for the category from 2023 until at least 2026.

Ducati stated their aim to produce a lighter MotoE machine and want to use the project to develop expertise within Ducati as they look towards the future and ongoing development of electric motorcycles.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, with Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali

Domenicali spoke about the added challenge that a motorcycle poses compared to a car when it comes to the packaging and weight management. He stated that as of now, there is no way to make a light and sporting motorcycle with battery technology, but that there will be in the future and that he intends Ducati to be at the forefront when that transition happens.

The Ducati CEO also stated that they can lean on the excellence within their parent group from the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini to help them produce a true sporting motorcycle that is powered by EV technology.

Claudio Domenicali – Ducati CEO

The main problem with Lithium is the energy density, it is 15-20 times less than fuel, thus the amount of fuel (lithium) you need to load is super heavy, so this is the big challenge. So we will work hard on the efficiency of the inverter and other components, and also further investigate battery technologies to try and help us meet that criteria.

“To have super quick charging times, you need high voltages, which is another challenge, but we are just at the beginning of this journey.

“Our plan is also eventually to make a production bike along these lines, but that is a long way away for the technology to become viable enough to make that a realistic option for the road. This won’t be before 2025, but we will have to wait and see the rate of progress to see when we can make that happen.”

After the press conference Ducati also issued these official quotes from Domenicali.

We are proud of this agreement because, like all the first times, it represents a historic moment for our company. Ducati is always projected towards the future and every time it enters a new world, it does so to create the best performing product possible. This agreement comes at the right time for Ducati, which has been studying the situation of electric powertrains for years, because it will allow us to experiment in a well-known and controlled field like that of racing competition. We will work to make available to all participants of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup electric bikes that are high-performance and characterized by lightness. It is precisely on weight, a fundamental element of sports bikes, that the greatest challenge will be played out. Lightness has always been in Ducati’s DNA and thanks to the technology and chemistry of the batteries that are evolving rapidly we are convinced that we can obtain an excellent result. We test our innovations and our futuristic technological solutions on circuits all over the world and then make exciting and desirable products available to Ducatisti. I am convinced that once again we will build on the experiences we have had in the world of racing competition to transfer them and apply them also on production bikes.”

Both the Ducati and Dorna CEOs also expanded further during the press conference regarding the progress towards carbon neutrality in racing, where some of the first steps will be the adoption of biofuels and/or synthetic fuels in the near future.

Carmelo Ezpeleta – CEO Dorna Sports

We are very proud to announce Ducati as the new, single manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. With their incredible racing history, it is an honour to welcome this commitment from one of the best-known manufacturers in the paddock and to take on this new challenge together. We are eager to see what the future has in store and continue to watch this technology develop and grow, with the MotoGP paddock and MotoE continuing to drive innovation and evolution in the motorcycling industry – at the same time as creating an incredible on-track spectacle.

“In addition, we would like to thank Energica for the important role they have played in the inception and growth of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. They have made an invaluable contribution to making the series what it is now as we look forward to another season racing together in 2022, ahead of this new era.”

Source: MCNews.com.au

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TC Specs.

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Source: MCNews.com.au

BMW Vision AMBY concept mixes bicycle and motorbike

BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY


BMW Motorrad have unveiled their concept Vision AMBY, an electric two-wheeled vehicle which blurs the lines between motorcycle and bicycle.  The concept aims to control maximum speed with ‘geofencing’ where GPS and mapping technology detects the riding environment to limit speed, although a manual over-ride mode may also be offered to cast aside big brother.

BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY
BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY

That’s envisioned as offering three distinct modes, suitable for cycle ways (25 km/h), urban roads (45 km/h) or a top speed 60 km/h option, meaning the Vision AMBY could conceivably fill the role of a bicycle in some instances, or a fairly restricted motorcycle in others, with a licence plate included.

The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY would display the current speed mode
The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY would display the current speed mode

The concept may tie into ‘safety’ requirements for all new cars in the EU to be fitted with speed-limiting devices within three years using GPS/detecting roadside speed limit signs. BMW explaining that a linked phone app will be used, which will check against stored data on license type and ‘on demand’ insurance to determine what power output the vehicle will provide, alongside the environmental factors already mentioned if modes are automated.

BMW have acknowledged that so far, legislation to support this kind of vehicle is lacking, however mention that their concept is aimed at helping to implement it by driving demand and showing the possibilities on offer.

The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY will heavily rely on a smartphone for various functions
The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY will heavily rely on a smartphone for various functions

The Vision AMBY itself weighs in at 65 kg and lacks pedals, with acceleration controlled via a throttle grip, as such it has much more in common with a motorcycle than bicycle.

The bike runs a 26 inch front and 24 inch rear wheel, clad in chunky tyres. At 830 mm from terra firma thest seat height is also similar to many motorcycles.

Large chunky tyres on the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY will be suitable for most conditions
Large chunky tyres on the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY will be suitable for most conditions, although the seat height is by no means low

The blocky unit in the frame is the battery and drive units, while suspension will be large dimension bicycle fork up front.

A U-shaped headlight is featured, with double element tail light, both LED and small indicators, although all are much more in-line with what you’d find on a bicicle, rather than a motorcycle.

The headlight and taillight setups both resembled bicycle units, more than those on a full-functioning motorcycle
The headlight and taillight setups both resembled bicycle units, more than those on a full-functioning motorcycle

Final drive also appears to be belt, with disc brakes front and rear, as well as a swingarm and rear monoshock setup.

Possible range is claimed at 110 km, which would be fairly impressive if it applies to the highest power mode, with other possible inclusions being ABS, an automatic high beam, brake light assistant, daytime running lights, a tyre pressure monitoring system option, or even distance radar, with visual and acoustic warnings for vehicles approaching from behind.

That 830 mm seat on the The headlight and taillight setups both resembled bicycle units, more than those on a full-functioning motorcycle certainly isn't the most comfortable looking
That 830 mm seat on the The headlight and taillight setups both resembled bicycle units, more than those on a full-functioning motorcycle certainly isn’t the most comfortable looking

There’s also a lot of emphasis on the smartphone integration, with another feature being possibly incorporating customary identification options, like Face ID, current charge readout and basic functionalities. A magnetic holder could mount the phone, with inductive charging, while connectivity could also be used for anti-theft protection, or as a programmable immobiliser.

Edgar Heinrich – Head of Design BMW Motorrad

“The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY takes us into new territory. For us, the focus is on user behaviour – the question is: how will customers want to get around in the future? What will they expect their vehicle to be capable of? This was precisely the starting point of our deliberations. Our aim was to develop an extremely emotional vehicle for smart mobility in and around the city that offered maximum freedom. The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY really does enable our customers to experience urban life in a whole new way, cover distances more flexibly and “break free” of the city from time to time, too. At the same time, BMW Motorrad is consistently pursuing its electromobility strategy for urban conurbations. It’s a fascinating introduction to the world of BMW Motorrad that also promises maximum riding pleasure.”

BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY
BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY

Source: MCNews.com.au

An informed discussion on electric motorcycles and the end of the ICE

Electric Motorcycles and the future of motorcycling
An informed discussion with three view-points

With the EU moving towards a mandate for the cessation on sales of petrol powered cars and motorcycles by 2035 there is little doubt that Australia will follow a similar course of action.  Thus we thought it a good time for Trev to air his views on the current state of play and then invite two smart guys that are both heavily invested in, and very knowledgeable of the challenges and advantages that electric motorcycles have the potential to bring. Both have built and designed their own electric motorcycles and are Australian EV pioneers and can add much to the discussion. 


Trev

“There is no doubt that unless truly monumental steps forward are made in relation to battery technology, touring Australia by motorcycle will become virtually impossible when legislation eventually ends the days of the internal combustion engine. 

“Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and the world’s largest island with a land mass of 7.7 million square kilometres which equates to five per cent of the global land mass, yet has a population that is less than cities such as Tokyo, Delhi or Shanghai. Once away from the major cities, where 67 per cent of the Australian population live, the interior is one of the most sparsely populated areas on the globe. We are a long way from where these new emissions legislation rules are being made and with our wide open spaces these restrictions will affect us more greatly than most places on the planet.

“Currently you can cross Australia on the southern routes without having to go more than 200 km between fuel stops. You can ride most of the way up the eastern and western seaboards on even shorter ranges until you get north of the Tropic of Capricorn, and even then there are only a couple of stretches where ranges in excess of 250 kilometres are required. And of course with fuel it is a simple case of splash and dash and you are generally back up and running in under ten minutes. No planning required. I could set off tomorrow on virtually any conventional motorcycle and repeat my 16,000 kilometre in 15 day lap of Australia without a worry in the world and nothing but a credit card in my pocket. Notwithstanding the individual fiefdoms that Australia has now become with closed state borders of course, don’t get me started on that score!

Riding Around Australia - Argyle
Touring the remote parts of Australia is not going to be viable on an electric motorcycle any time soon

“On current technology and infrastructure if you can find a power-point in the bush, you might be twiddling your thumbs for ten hours or more in order to obtain a full charge from empty. Even a Perth to Melbourne run, a relatively short 3500 kilometre distance that is easily ridden in three days if not meticulously planned while riding something akin to a $50,000 Harley-Davidson LiveWire or similar EV motorcycle, would likely take longer than my 16,000 kilometre lap of the country. And that journey would be the antithesis to what my type of motorcycle touring is. Touring on two wheels for me is best enjoyed with the minimum planning possible and no real schedule to stick to. Otherwise it just feels like work and tedium. Motorcycles are about freedom and fun, not schedules. And motorcycle touring is not about waiting around for half your trip waiting for your motorcycle to charge. On current EV technology you would spend more of the trip waiting for your motorcycle to charge than you would spend riding… 

The LiveWire has its drawbacks as Wayne recently found in his review.
That said, I applaud H-D for investing in to this future and I think the first generation LiveWire might eventually become a sought after collectible.

“Modern combustion engined motorcycles achieve their best economy on the open highway, these days generally sipping around five-litres of juice per 100 kilometres. Conversely, open road touring is actually the worst case scenario in regards to range for battery powered motorcycles as there are no braking cycles to help recharge the batteries and the bikes are under a constant throttle load. Thus at the moment, and for the foreseeable future, battery powered vehicles are by far more practical in the urban environment than they are in rural or even outer urban areas. The current options when it comes to EV motorcycles rarely achieve ranges exceeding 120 kilometres during highway running at the national speed limit.

“Does this mean that for the foreseeable future the only real practical battery powered motorcycles will be scooters used in the city?

“Right now, to my mind, this is where the battery tech is getting good enough to be a truly viable practical alternative to a petrol powered two-wheeler.  But there is also a significant price penalty to pay to go EV.

Suzuki’s Address 110 sells for $3790 Ride Away, nudges 100 km/h and sips only two-litres per 100 kilometres. Thus it has a range approaching 250 kilometres from its 5.2-lite fuel tank, but let’s go worst case scenario and say the range is 200 kilometres. 

Super Soco CPx

“One of the newest EV scooters on the market that is just about to launch in Australia is the Super Soco CPx.  It has a range of up to 75 kilometres when a 75 kg rider averages 45 km/h, but in reality its true range is more like 60 kilometres. The price tag is more than twice that of the Suzuki but it’s fair to assume that the EV perhaps accelerates quicker, however its 90 km/h top speed is actually slower than the little Suzuki.  Charge time is about 3.5 hours and while an extra battery can be added to the PCx for $2300 that doubles the range to over 120 kilometres, it also adds a couple of hours to that charge time.  For less than the price of Super Soco PCx you could have a wonderful XMAX 300 Yamaha. A much larger, roomier and more comfortable scooter that will cruise comfortably at 110 km/h and also offer overtaking power good enough to crack 150 km/h while sipping a few litres per 100 kilometres. 

“So essentially you currently pay double for the EV option if comparing models of similar performance.  That also rings true in the world of full-size motorcycles with Harley’s new V-Twin Sportster 1250 S to retail for just over 25k, half the price of the EV LiveWire.

“There is no doubt that EV is coming but early adopters certainly pay a hefty price premium for the benefits, perceived or otherwise, of going without petrol.   

“I would love to get my hands on BMW’s coming electric CE 04 scooter with its impressive power (42 hp) and torque (62 Nm), creature comforts and avant-garde looks but when it arrives early next year it will wear a price tag over 20k.  Even this top of the range EV still only promises a range of 130 kilometres. Its top speed will be limited to 120 km/h but BMW are claiming an impressive 2.6-seconds for the 0-50 km/h traffic light dash which should make it a convenient weapon around town. Charging time from empty is over four hours but an optional, and no doubt expensive, quick-charging set-up can be purchased that reduces charge time significantly, taking the CE 04 from flat to full in well under two hours, and facilitating charge from 20 to 80 per cent full in only 45 minutes. That’s getting a lot more practical, and the fact that city dwellers will also be able to use the same existing EV charge points as the BMW electric cars will add further amenity. But, it’s still over 20-grand for a scooter. You can grab a GS for not much more, or an Africa Twin for even less…

I love the promise that the BMW CE 04 offers but for 20k you are getting into GS or Africa Twin money…

“Time will change this cost-benefit analysis as technology improves, or petrol starts multiplying in price, but right now EV motorcycles and scooters just don’t add up when it comes to cost, convenience or performance. They are a very niche product within an already niche market that is motorcycling in this country.

Honda Mobile Power Pack
Honda Mobile Power Packs can be simply removed and replaced with already charged units

Hot swappable battery technology, the likes of which some brands are already working together on, would be a real breakthrough in regards to the viability of electric motorcycles becoming truly practical in the short term. Being able to drop into a charge point and simply pull a battery out and replace with one already fully charged to get back on your way. This would enable refuel times comparable to petrol powered motorcycles.

“Essentially this could also help reduce the cost of entry as manufacturers could sell their electric scooters or motorcycles, then the buyer simply take up a battery lease program where they have constant access to batteries but without the up-front capital cost of purchasing their own battery. This option is starting to build steam and is referred to as ‘Battery as a Service’. Kymco have already rolled this out in Taiwan where they already have over 2000 swap stations with their system called ‘Ionex’.

Removeable battery packs will add great versatility to both personal consumers and fleet buyers
Removeable battery packs will add great versatility to both personal consumers and fleet buyers

“From my scribblings here you would think I am against change, I am not. I look forward to something like the CE 04 becoming as affordable as an XMAX 300.  I look forward to the improvements in battery technology that are coming which will really shake things up. I look forward to agile light-weight enduro, motocross and trials bikes that are whisper-quiet and offer comparable performance to that available from the current petrol powered options. 

“That said, I think the chances of being able to tour Australia on an EV motorcycle without meticulous planning and constant range anxiety might not even happen within my life-time. But who knows, I have been running MCNews.com.au now for over 20 years, and may revisit this piece in a Throwback Thursday come 2040, or even earlier, and announce that I was wrong…

“I do take significant umbrage though at authorities and agencies enforcing this change and shoving it down my throat before it becomes truly affordable and viable in the real world. But this is where we will be as manufacturers respond to government pressures and stop making new internal combustion engine powered vehicles. Euro6 will essentially kill new petrol powered vehicles of all types stone dead. 

The PCX Electric or the battery packs will be easily chargeable, ideal for a commuter machine
Replaceable hot, swap and go battery packs that are able to be used across many brands are likely to prove the way forward when it comes to EV powered urban mobility solutions

“We also have groups lobbying government to not only waive stamp duty, import duties and luxury car taxes for electric vehicles, but also force property developers to install EV charging points in their parking bays and have taxpayers stump the bill to install charging points in public car parks. Thus EV early adopters effectively are seeking everyone to underwrite their eco warrior sanctimonious self gratification exercise, then they want the power for free too! Power that was probably made by burning coal in the first place anyway!

“As we approach the year 2030 the shift away from internal combustion engines will increasingly gather steam (did you tell how much I love steam power LOL) as we approach that real tipping point for the transition away from fossil fuel powered transportation. This month UK authorities announced a ban on the sale of new petrol powered motorcycles from 2035 and various other announcements have been, and will be made around the world that will sign the death warrant on motorcycling as we know it. But then we do have a new era of motorcycling to look forward to and I do that with an open, but realistic mind. 

“Racing authorities are also heavily invested in preparing for change. We of course have MotoE already acting as a support class at selected rounds of the MotoGP World Championship and the FIM recently announced the creation of a new all-electric off-road championship. People are already joking that it will make for some good 15 minute races as even in racing EV ranges forces organisers to race distances that are a fraction of what petrol powered motorcycles race.

“Under changes that are actually coming into play now you will no longer have the ability to clear fault codes from your motorcycle, only an official dealer will have the power to clear fault codes. Want to dyno or tune your machine outside stock parameters? They are putting a stop to that now also.  I understand that things are going to change, but we do need our own politicians to not blindly follow rules enforced by geographically small countries in their quest to be woke.

Trev’s 2017 Husqvarna TE250 – Pretty much two-stroke perfection right there

“I live on 100 acres and will do everything within my power to still be enjoying the visceral and emotional connection to motorcycle history that my 250 two-stroke Husky punches into my aural and olfactory senses even after the government tells me not to.  I also have a supercharged V8 Ford that I might need to stockpile juice for in preparation for the days when the scenes presented in the first Mad Max movie become reality. 

“Or if that ends up being too difficult, maybe I will have to settle for an old-school blown or quad-Weber fed push-rod V8 on an engine stand to start up and pay homage to as an object of worship over beers from time to time up the shed. Actually why wait, that sounds an awesome plan to put into action right now! Hold my beer!

Excuse me, I am having a moment…

“Of course we could have a huge breakthrough in biofuel or synthetic fuel technology that extends the life of internal combustion engines.  As for the ecological argument I don’t think motorcycles burning fuel make much impact in the grand scheme of things. Of course making the power to charge EV vehicles largely comes from coal fired power stations anyway..  Speaking of which, China is still building those coal fired power stations at an ever increasing rate and are responsible for almost 30 per cent of global emissions.  Preventing people breeding and polluting the planet with more humans is probably the biggest positive impact we can have in regards to the health of the planet but the self-righteous moralising greenies don’t talk too much about that…”

Right of reply

Now as Trev is obviously not all Greta Thunberg enlightened and stuff, we thought we might seek some opinions from a couple of people in the know, a couple of fellas that have their fingers in the currents of this EV stuff. And first cab off that electrified rank is Dennis Savic.


Dennis Savic

Dennis Savic is a homegrown visionary that has had the balls to design, manufacture and now market his own brand of electric motorcycles.   

Like me, Dennis hails from Perth, but where I first headed east to join the Defence Force at the young age of 16 as that was the only way to earn an adult wage at such a young age that would enable me to spend all of said wage on fast motorcycles and cars.  Dennis instead studied mechanical engineering and then gained an M.B.A. before assembling a team of young engineers to bring to reality his dream of producing his own motorcycles.

Dennis with an early prototype

Obviously we both share a passion for motorcycles but come from very different backgrounds and lived experiences. At 29, Dennis is also 20 years younger than me but funnily enough, despite his life being invested in the production of EV motorcycles, he also has some reservations as to their real-world capabilities and current limitations. God I love using the word ‘current’ as much as possible when talking EV motorcycles…

Over to you, Dennis

“Trevor, thank you for including us in the conversation. Despite the two wheeled EV industry and this business consuming 90 per cent of my waking life, I should probably preface my comments by admitting I’m also a petrol head. My favourite cars include the ’69 Mustang Fastback, and my dream car is the Mercedes 300SL. My favourite bikes include the Triumph Bonneville Bobber and the Indian FTR, and a tonne of custom builds. I still love working on petrol vehicles for fun, so I guess I’m sharing that I empathise with common EV challenges and understand range anxiety well. Now, there are two primary issues that I believe we’re talking about: the first is range capabilities, and the second is pricing. While they are related, they can – and should – be considered separately.

Range Capabilities

“I agree with you that touring isn’t for electric motorcycles, and won’t be for a long time. Unfortunately, it all comes down to dollars and cents. And this is as true for the majority of customers as it is for any business. I’ll talk about EV pricing in a moment, but before I do I think it’s important for riders to actually take inventory of how often they go for cross-country rides and how often they go for long rides with their mates on weekends.

“The answer to the latter is probably far more often than touring the country. So what’s the average range of a weekend ride – 400km? 200km? Whatever the case, if someone does this kind of ride more than once or twice a year, they would need to consider having a second petrol bike to go and do hill runs. This could be rented or owned, but either way, it makes the rare weekend ride a very expensive hobby.

“I don’t know what proportion of the riding population never rides more than 200 km on a single ride, but I would argue that it is large enough for us to have enough of a business case to supply the Australian market. Business cases are assessed with rudimentary maths. How many can one sell, at what price, and what is the cost to make, distribute, and operate the business? Which brings me to the pricing challenges EVs face.

Savic Motorcycles
Pricing

“Most EVs are highly priced. Governments can ban petrol vehicles to try and force the shift, but this doesn’t flick a switch and make the supply chain cheaper. What makes the supply chain cheaper is volume manufacturing, and that’s going to take time. It’s a chicken and egg scenario. We need volume to decrease costs, but we also need sales to increase volume, and people aren’t buying because, like you say, EVs are expensive, which comes back to the supply chain. Government bans in Europe will help increase the volume/demand part of the equation, which is great – a fun problem to solve.

“With respect to Savic Motorcycles’ advertised prices, time and again, investors and potential investors have been telling me that our $23,900 price point for the Savic Alpha is too low. I argue that it isn’t. Our first bike, the C-Series Alpha, sits in the same price bracket as other new premium ICE motorcycles. My mission was always to set the price point to be competitive with existing ICE motorcycles, and then work our asses off to develop and implement our business case. When we figured we could, we got started and we haven’t slowed down since. With the cost of battery cells continuously dropping, our margin targets have slowly grown and simultaneously enabled us to offer our customers more capacity.

Today’s EV Motorcycle Customers

“I cannot speak for the LiveWire riders in Australia, but I think most people will agree the $50k price tag is pretty hefty. What I can say is that we at Savic Motorcycle have sold out our first production run without a single test ride. Whether that’s due to our design, price, or our being Australian is hard to say – to be fair, it’s probably a mix of all three.

“I have personally spoken to most of our first customers because we’re an early-stage business. All of them understand the charging limitations, and almost all put their orders in with the intent of charging at home overnight. This indicates that they either have a second bike, or don’t do hill rides. But they want a sexy bike (if I say so myself) to get around town on – and to do the occasional longer ride.

“A couple of our customers are lifelong Harley riders. This absolutely shocked me. Why did they place an order for one of our bikes? The truth is, they loved the design above all else. The fact that it was electric and reasonably priced was just a bonus.

Savic Alpha

“Everything is in flux at the moment. Market segments, customer profiles, products. No one knows what is going to happen in 20 years. People can just speculate. A company like ours has an advantage because we’re small and nimble, and can pivot our product strategy at the drop of a hat without huge negative repercussions with excess inventory, or thousands of engineering hours spent in product development.

Savic Motorcycles

“So will eMotorcycle ranges change much in the next five years? Unlikely if you still want to have a bike that retails at some astronomical price. Will the price come down dramatically over the next five years? I don’t think the price will come down too much, but you will see many more entrants in the market due to the cost of manufacturing dropping. Will the big OEMs come to play soon? Maybe – but they’ll have to massively up their game if they want to produce a decent bike!

“I also know Chris Jones well and it’s been a long time since we’ve spoken. “Hi Chris!!”


Chris Jones

The next fella I thought of charging with a reply was my old mate Chris Jones. Another Western Australian!  

Chris is a mad scientist that first specialised in plant biochemistry but then diversified into working with battery technology and electric motorcycles. 

In fact, Chris, with the help of a couple of friends made his own electric motorcycle that his team raced in the eFXC Championship that first ran as a support class alongside Terry O’Neill’s Formula Xtreme Road Racing Championships in 2014.

Chris with Voltron at Queensland Raceway iin 2016

The next year Chris formed a company with Mike O’Hanlon called ‘Voltron Motorcycles Pty Ltd’ with the aim of developing a motorcycle and battery system that will eventually enable them to manufacture electric superbikes.  The small matter of having to earn a living and pay bills has slowed their progress but the dream remains alive. 

Chris has also been the National Secretary of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association for the past five years and was instrumental in the design, build and installation of The RAC Electric Highway that links Perth to the south-west coastal town of Augusta via a network of publicly available charging stations. 

Chris (third from left) was a driving force behind the EV fast charging stations now installed in the south-west of the country in partnership with the RAC

Chris is also currently working with the WA Government with the aim of having DC fast-charging stations installed around the state.  Knowing their Premier maybe he will also get Chris to put an electric fence around Western Australia to keep the plague-ridden eastern stater types out! 

Clearly Chris is heavily invested in EV technology and is well and truly plugged into the scene and thus I thought his views on the subject might be interesting to hear. 

Take it away Doctor Jones!

“Not long after man walked out of the jungle, he developed an unhealthy obsession with burning stuff. Unsatisfied with burning half the vegetation on planet Earth, he discovered an even more energy dense fuel beneath his feet. Coal and oil allowed him to burn stuff with so much heat, for so long, he could literally throw 80 per cent of the energy away and still push a machine down the road. Mankind has since built almost 4 billion such machines, and 1.4 billion are in active service today. Roughly 400 million of these are motorcycles. Evolution baby!

“But this 250-year bonfire has resulted in two very serious problems. One, the poisonous smoke from these internal combustion machines is literally killing us. Acute respiratory disease caused by automobile pollution kills at least 8.7 million people every year worldwide. Air quality is so poor in many Asian cities the recommendation is to stay indoors and wear a mask. The other problem – arguably the more chronic one – is that the trillions of tons of carbon dioxide released after burning all these fossil fuels has been trapping heat in our atmosphere; raising the temperature by about 1.2°C already. If nothing changes, we’re set to pass 5°C by 2050. We are already bearing witness to the impacts – floods, heatwaves, sea level rise, devastating bushfires and of course, the inevitable extermination of large swaths of living beings.

“So if you’re wondering why administrations around the world are keen to halt the production of internal combustion engines, by force if they must, it might be because they have a duty of care to prevent pain and suffering of their citizens. People rightly expect their leaders to respond to such global existential challenges, even if they are of our own stupid doing. But these same administrations are also acutely aware of how hopelessly dependent we are on the automobile. Food, medicines, building materials, textiles and telecommunications; you name it – motorized and wheeled transport makes it happen. Fortunately, we have an alternative technology to the internal combustion engine, and given our collective reluctance to assume responsibility for our profligate ways, the electric vehicle is arguably the least-worst option to replace it.

“In looking at the two most pressing problems – air pollution and global warming, electric vehicles are an obvious solution to the former, and as the electricity grid continues to get cleaner, also a useful tool in addressing the latter. So which vehicle is most commonly seen battling the streets of our most congested cities? The humble motorcycle. If ever there was a prime candidate for electrification, this is it.

“The 2035 phase-out is actually quite conservative – we’ll hit that target well beforehand. 2035 is a long way off, given the huge advanced we’ve already seen in EVs in the last decade. The vehicles will both get better and cheaper, and motorcycles will be in that graduating class. The ultimate commuter would be an electric motorcycle with about 40 kW of peak power and about 15 kWh worth of battery. This would give it over 150 km of quiet, emission-free city range. Longer rides will necessitate a bigger battery, and more regular DC fast chargers for rapid refills along the way.

“So when can we expect to see an electric motorcycle capable of steering me from Perth to Phillip Island in under 4 days? Well, probably when two things happen: Firstly, when DC fast chargers can be found at every roadhouse across the Nullarbor, and secondly, when batteries allow over 20 kWh to be conveniently stored on the bike. On the first point, DC chargers are being rolled out around the country, and the east-west route will certainly be completed well before 2024 if I have any say in it. The second point is actually a matter of budget more than technology – sufficiently energy dense batteries already permit a 230 kg bike to house a 100 kg battery, capable of 200 km at highway speeds. The issue is mostly cost and right now, a $50,000 bike capable of the same metrics as a $12,000 ICE bike is a hard sell.

Thyron Van Vuuren did get down to some good times on the Voltron bike made by Chris, but in regards to EV motorcycles even the races have to be short due to range issues – Image Tony Castley

“Cost is a funny thing when discussing motorcycles, as we’ve all spent way more than we ought to on bikes that deliver immense joy. Still, we harbor no regrets. Take Honda’s 2021 CBR1000RR-R SP machine; it’s the ultimate track weapon with 214 hp and checking in at 201 kg. At a mere $50,000, it’s not exactly cheap. But other than 70 years of Honda engineering prowess, our home-built electric race bike, Voltron Evo stacks up surprisingly well. 214 kg, 230 hp and a similar build budget, a competitive lap time wasn’t that far off. It was worth every cent in that regard…

“However right now, our collective desire to own machines capable of roadtrips our grandparents could never dream of is taking its toll on the planet we call home. We owe it to the next generation to stop burning coal and oil. It’s that simple. Extinguishing the epic, self-inflicted house fire we started 200 years ago really ought to take precedence over our desire to circumnavigate the country in under a fortnight. We need fewer vehicles, and all of them should be electric. Electric motorcycles and scooters are the perfect solution for urban travel, while longer range machines are on their way.”


Well there you have it, three opinions with three different viewpoints.  Feel free to add your considered opinion using the comments section below. Or if you have a well detailed piece that will further enlighten our readers feel free to get in touch with us with a view to consideration for publication.

Source: MCNews.com.au

BMW unveil electric urban mobility scooter & eTrike

BMW Dynamic Cargo eTrike & Clever Commute eScooter Concepts


The BMW has already presented a number of micromobility solutions to the public in the past, and have now added the electrified bicycle Concept Dynamic Cargo trike and the e-scooter Concept Clever Commute to that line-up.

Jochen Karg – BMW Group’s New Technologies and China division

“Our goal was to develop a concept that retains the agility and driving feel of a normal bicycle while adding innovative, safe transport options. The Concept Dynamic Cargo is the first dynamic ‘pick-up’ cargo bike that combines driving pleasure with flexible use and increased year-round suitability.”


BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo trike

A compact, three-wheeled cargo bike concept with flexible usage options and increased year-round suitability, the Dynamic Cargo runs a loading platform with attachments for transporting loads and/or children as well as for leisure activities.

BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo trike

The key component of the three-wheeled Concept Dynamic Cargo is the front main frame, which is connected to the rear section via a pivot axle and tilts in corners. The rear section remains stable through all corners without tilting towards the road. The non-pivoting design of the transport platform has the additional benefit that the rider is barely aware of any extra weight being carried, enabling safe, stable transportation of all loads while also ensuring a pleasurable riding experience.

BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo trike

This combines with the electrified powertrain – which is activated as soon as the rider starts to pedal and drives the two rear wheels – to make the cargo bike just as easy to ride as a standard bicycle.

This can be fitted with a selection of innovative modular attachments for carrying luggage and/or children. The modular design principle paves the way for many more use cases, too.

BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo trike

The concept is rounded off by a facility for adding a system of weather protection. The BMW Group will not manufacture the Concept Dynamic Cargo but is already in discussions with potential licensees.


BMW Concept Clever Commute

Ergonomic design meets riding stability and an extremely compact design that can be packed up, in the Clever Commute. This scooter is ideal for park and ride, with the minimal size when packed making it ideal for carrying in a car boot.

BMW Concept Clever Commute

E-scooters have established themselves in the urban mobility mix, thanks to sharing schemes in particular. They offer flexible usability and the ability to get city dwellers to their destination extremely quickly over short “last-mile” urban journeys.

The uptake of e-scooters for private ownership in comparison has been relatively slow to date. Robust models that can be ridden safely are difficult to take onto public transport or carry by car due to their size, while small, more portable models suffer from poor riding stability.

BMW Concept Clever Commute

As such BMW Group presents an e-scooter that folds easily for carrying on public transport and/or by car without compromising on riding stability in any way. In public transport mode, the footboard folds up at the sides and the rear wheel pivots into the aperture from below.

This mechanism shortens the wheelbase of the Clever Commute substantially so that it can even be carried on an escalator without difficulty. This is an important requirement if the journey includes underground transport routes.

BMW Concept Clever Commute packed into a car boot

It can also be rolled along on both wheels in this mode, rather like a trolley case. And the front wheel’s integral hub motor provides an electric impulse that makes it easier to push up ramps. The e-scooter’s compact dimensions when folded up means it should be possible to take it on all forms of public transport free of charge.

The Clever Commute can be folded up to a size that fits easily into small vehicle boots, with larger boots able to accommodate several for family outings.

Like the Concept Dynamic Cargo trike, BMW Group will not manufacture the Concept Clever Commute, it is already in discussions with potential licensees.


Both micromobility concepts have been designed in such a way that the electric range can be scaled with regard to the respective application. One final very important feature for city use is the battery pack, which can be removed and charged at home.

BMW unveil two new electric concepts, the Dynamic Cargo trike and Clever Commute scooter

Source: MCNews.com.au