- First Ducati electric race bike unveiled
- To be used in MotoE races from 2023
- Production Ducati electric bike unlikely to debut anytime soon
Ducati has taken the wraps off its first-ever electric motorcycle prototype that will compete in the MotoE category of the MotoGP world championship from 2023 onwards. The Italian two-wheeler brand has replaced Energica as the official supplier for the racing series.
The prototype is codenamed V21L and the ‘21’ in the name could either be the model year or the capacity of the battery. The company hasn’t revealed the full specifications of the motorcycle. However, what’s clear is that this is one beautiful-looking motorcycle, similar to most other Ducatis. From the pointed nose section to the equally sharp tail and everything in between looks taut and clean. Notably, most of the body work and some mechanical bits are made up of carbon fibre for keeping the weight in check.
The V21L is equally enticing on the hardware front as well with components sourced from Ohlins, Brembo and Marchesini with carbon-fibre swingarm and subframe. With a heavy battery being a part of the package, Ducati has tried its best to save up weight on other fronts. In fact, the company stated that keeping the battery size, weight and range to an optimum level was one of the main challenges in developing this motorcycle. The company aims to make high-performance yet light electric motorcycles for the FIM Enel MotoE racers.
The first test of the Ducati V21L electric race bike was recently carried out by the brand’s official test rider and racer, Michele Pirro at the Misano race track. Although Ducati doesn’t intend to roll out production electric motorcycles for customers anytime soon, we’ll surely see something similar to the V21L in the distant future.
