Ducati wouldn’t go into the field of e-bikes if it didn’t fit its brand or customer base.
Published on February 19, 2023 07:00:00 am
Ducati UK CEO, Fabrizio Cassoli.
ducati carved his name into the motorsports hall of fame through a series of storied sports machines. From competing in MotoGP, WSBK and the Isle of Man TT, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer has become a reputable name both on track and off track.
Every day, more and more motorcycle brands turn their attention to electric machines. For example, Triumph has been experimenting with radical methods prototype TE-1. Kawasaki, meanwhile, is set to launch a electric version of its famous Ninja sport bicycle. So when will we see an electric motorcycle from Ducati and does the Italian brand see a future using an electric powertrain?
Ducati road bike: challenges and timeline
Move Electric sat down with Ducati’s UK boss, Fabrizio Cazzoli, to learn more about the brand’s electrification plans, the decision to make MotoE motorcycles and how parent company Lamborghini – as well as Volkswagen – is supporting its ambitions.
Reacting to the e-bike market, Cazzoli is clear that a mass-produced electric Ducati is a possibility, but such a machine won’t be around anytime soon. His assessment of the current market emphasizes the need to be cautious when adopting a new form of technology, citing the fact that the Ducati philosophy cannot be sacrificed when creating a new e-bike. “Electrification is going to be a long way off, not only for Ducati but for the entire motorcycle industry because right now, it’s not a completely viable solution,” Cazzoli said.
“With a power supply, you have to compromise on range, weight, performance or portability, and currently, there is no single finished product that can cover all bases – with all due respect to all other manufacturers. Ducati’s philosophy is uncompromising, we’re not going to make an electric motorcycle. But we’re investing in the technology and it’s improving every day, and when the time is right, we’ll make one.”
Ducati in MotoE
The MotoE electric racing series launched in 2019 and since the start, all the teams have used electric bikes powered by Energica. This will change in 2023, as Ducati has reached an agreement to take over Energica as the manufacturer of the spec machine to be used in the championship.
Cazzoli explained that securing a MotoE contract is important to Ducati’s future, adding that the motorcycle – codenamed V21L – could affect future products. “I don’t think many people would have expected Ducati, which has been so successful with the internal combustion engine, to embark on such a big project,” Cazzoli said.
“Why are we doing it? Because it’s clear that the trend of the future will be electric and importantly we can use racing to transfer technology into used road bikes. Every day. Investing in technology for electric motorcycles will help us advance our knowledge and know-how, and MotoE will support that.”
Switching from an internal combustion engine to an electric powertrain can be a daunting task, but as Cazzoli emphasizes, being part of a broader brand group has provided a greater level of support for the plans. its electrification to date.
“There is no doubt that being part of such a large automotive group has given us a huge advantage and a more competitive position. You can see with the MotoE project and in our current models we are using rubber technology on our motorcycles for the first time, becoming one of the first brands to adopt this. ,” Cazzoli said.
The potential of hydrogen and biofuels
While electrification seems to be the solution for motorcycles of the future, Cazzoli welcomes the idea of hydrogen, adding that other alternatives to gasoline, such as biofuels, could be an option. select.
“We have to be open-minded and look to the future because there might be a better solution than just electric power,” says Cazzoli. “This is a complicated matter because we don’t know which powertrain will be the best going forward. The significant investment at the university and institutional level cannot be ignored in research into different technologies. We need to understand all the possibilities because electric powertrains are not the solution yet, but the time will come in the near future.”
Cazzoli, in emphasizing the use of specific powertrains for different segments, emphasized that this is another factor to consider, adding that electric powertrains can have better suited for smaller machines.
“Electric powertrain for a scooter makes quite a lot of sense since users usually get around the city, but if you are thinking about a (Ducati) Multistrada, a long-distance yacht, the powertrain is the electric motor will not work. You don’t want to cycle 100 miles and then have to stop and charge in two or three hours; that wouldn’t be a smart way to manufacture an electric motorcycle. We have to be open, we have to look at the context and come up with a viable and affordable proposition.”
A different approach to mobility
Ducati is clearly not ready to plunge into the electric era, they are still cautious in their efforts to offer an electric motorcycle. Although Ducati electric motorcycles still have a long way to go, the brand has broadened its horizons through e-scooters and e-bikes. It’s worth noting that Ducati’s e-scooter is a branded product, licensed by Super Soco, but as Cazzoli explains, Ducati needs to adapt to changes in transportation.
“We live in a world where mobility can be accomplished using a combination of tools, and involving e-scooters and e-bikes, Ducati has adapted to meet the needs. of people. The electric bikes are a perfect example of this because they perfectly respond to Ducati philosophy and values,” said Ducati UK owner.
Toward the future
Taking into account Ducati’s MotoE project and Electric prototype V21L, it would be a mistake to assume that the legendary Italian outfit is moving away from electrification; away from it. Cazzoli, along with the rest of the Ducati team, wouldn’t break into the e-bike segment if it didn’t align with their brand or customer base in that regard.
As Cazzoli recalls: “There are a lot of technologies that are currently in the early stages of development; some of which may be a better option than battery electric powertrains. When we looked at battery power for cars, we didn’t just jump from one category to another, we started with hybrids, and now we’re seeing more electric vehicles coming out. We cannot run before we can walk. There is a road that we have to go with electric scooters.”
Also see:
Ducati Streetitfighter V2 review: Less is more?
Video review Ducati Streetfighter V2
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