Ducati is taking over as sole supplier for the electric class of MotoGP from 2023.
As part of the FIA’s initiative to stay relevant, the MotoE World Cup launched in 2019 using Energica Ego Corsa electric motorcycles. Founded in Modena, the fairly new Energica Motor Company produced high-performance EVs for the first four seasons of MotoGP’s futuristic support series, including the 2022 units before it could hand the torch over to Ducati for next year.
Current specifications include a synchronous permanent magnet motor producing 120 kW and over 150 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which the bikes need dearly to cope with their weight of 544 pounds. To put that into perspective, a MotoGP racing bike has a minimum weight of 344 pounds at the moment, alongside over 180 kW of power. Regardless, Energica Ego Corsas can reach 62mph in 2.8 seconds, only to top out at 167 mph.
Dynamic testing of Ducati’s first-ever electric bike began at the Misano World Circuit in December 2021, followed by a more serious shakedown of the “V21L” prototype, seen here at Vallelunga.
So far, Energica’s MotoE contenders have only been adjustable in terms of their stiffness, via their off-center rear shocks. By the looks of it, Ducati’s next-generation electric bike prototype uses Brembo brakes with monoblock calipers and Öhlins dampers both front and rear, alongside a traditional double sided swingarm and chain drive setup. No wheel hub motors just yet.
All wrapped in carbon fiber panels, “V21L” sounds promising while being tuned by the Italian team, including MotoE veteran Alex De Angelis and long-term Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, the first man taking Ducati’s EV prototype for a spin.
Based in Borgo Panigale, the historic motorcycle manufacturer is wholly owned by Lamborghini, which itself is owned by Audi as part of the Volkswagen Group. Electrification of all these brands is a given at this point.
