Now that the electric car has become commonplace, more and more motorcycle manufacturers are also looking for ways to reduce CO2 emissions. On MOTOR FAIR Utrecht, the electric motor is in the spotlight this year. Visitors can experience for themselves what it is like to drive quickly and silently.
"It feels like you're in a fighter jet," says Ron de Graaf about the LiveWire, Harley-Davidson's first electric motorcycle. "It is fast and has enormous power: in three seconds you can accelerate from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour."
De Graaf owns the Harley-Davidson dealer in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The LiveWire has been on sale since the end of 2019: De Graaf delivered the first models to Dutch customers last month. They are pleased with the design and the 'amazing driving experiencesaid De Graaf.
Admittedly, the sound of batteries doesn't sound as impressive as the rugged V-twin on a traditional motorcycle. And you can not drive carefree for hours with an e-motor, because you are dependent on charging stations. Nevertheless, De Graaf and his customers are not alone in their enthusiasm for the electric motorcycle. The vehicle is advancing, according to figures from BOVAG and ACEM. In the Netherlands, the number of 'Full Electric Vehicles' sold has almost quadrupled in six years. In the European Union, the number of electric motorcycles and mopeds sold increased by 2019 percent in the first nine months of 63.
New and futuristic
“We mainly see niche players entering the market,” says Tom Huyskens of BOVAG.
Startups are eager to develop the latest technology to develop a motorcycle that is better for the environment and looks good at the same time. Zero Motorcycles and the Italian brand Energica are the best known. But traditional motorcycle manufacturers are also venturing into the new way of driving: after BMW and Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki are also working together to develop standards for the e-motorcycle.
"There is an increasing demand for electric motorcycles," says Spencer Cutlan of the Finnish brand Verge Motorcycles. “Many motorcyclists are ready with the traditional technology. They are looking for something different and new that will make them stand out from the crowd. ”
Verge's motorcycles look futuristic: they have hubless wheels and are driven by electromagnets, among other things. There is also a computer built in that automatically updates the software of the engine, such as with a mobile phone.
Advantages of an e-motorcycle
At MOTORbeurs Utrecht (from 20 to 23 February in the Jaarbeurs Utrecht) visitors can experience how it works, such an e-motor. Different motorcycle brands present their electric models. There is the Hubless Electric Roadster from Verge, as well as e-motors from Zero Motorcycles and the LiveWire from Harley-Davidson.
“Children from the age of six can also ride an electric dirt bike on a specially designed track,” explains fire manager Martine Sterk. "With the Electrocross we offer an activity for the whole family."
An electric motorcycle is more expensive than a traditional motorcycle. For example, you pay 34 thousand euros for the LiveWire from Harley-Davidson, while a 'normal' Harley starts at ten thousand euros. But the maintenance costs are lower: you only need to change brake oil - spark plugs, air filters and valves do not have an e-engine. And you don't spend money on gasoline. The Netherlands currently has nearly 40 thousand charging stations. The distance you can travel with an electric motor is increasing: the range is usually between 150 and 200 kilometers.
Demand will grow
Nowadays, it is mainly pioneers who buy an e-motor: environmentally conscious motorcyclists and gadget freaks who like to enjoy the latest technical gadgets. But according to BOVAG, the electric motor can become a mass product in the coming years.
According to Tom Huyskens, de European regulations for low CO2 emissions now only apply to cars. As soon as it also applies to motorcycles, premium brands will offer more electric models. Moreover, there is currently no tax scheme with a low addition specifically for electric motorcycles. If that is the case, it will be more attractive to purchase such a motor for business.
Also read: More demands for fire safety due to electric cars
