High-performance electric motorcycles on the market continue to be a niche in relation to those that incorporate internal combustion mechanics. While in the automotive sector we see a reduction in the price difference compared to having a combustion engine, there are many reasons that explain why this is. The technology has yet to find its place in the two-wheeler market.
Unlike electric road motorcycles, the electric scooter and moped segment Yes, it has achieved great success due, above all, to the small price difference compared to internal combustion units. The competition for this product allowed a double digit increase in demand. the four keys which explains this remarkable price difference is: cost, range, charging technology and infrastructure and battery performance. The combination of these variables makes manufacturing and marketing electric motorcycles at competitive prices very difficult. This is the explanation for its slow growth and the great difference between street motorcycles and those designed for the city.
It is not easy for electric motorcycles to compete in the market
An electric road motorcycle is required a battery capable of offering acceptable autonomy for plowing the stage on which it must act. However, economies of scale and weight do not work in favor of battery manufacturers. As a representative, it is easier to make a profit on a set of 100 kWh batteries than to sell 10 units of 10 kWh. This is exactly what happens with these types of products. However, there are many challenges, in this case, technical ones.
the autonomy, although it has improved over time, it is still not enough for this type of car. In a vehicle as light as a motorcycle, the weight of a large battery that allows long ranges plays against performance and handling. A LiveWire One ((Harley-Davidson), for example, can offer around 230 km of autonomy on the combined cycle (150 on the highway). Considering that its price is more than 20,000 euros, it is very difficult to compete against its combustion counterparts.
The third element that makes it difficult to market is cost of production. Economies of scale in low volume models are very difficult to achieve. This type of electric motorcycle has a small market share which they fail to generate profit.
Finally, the charging infrastructure remains lacking. Unlike electric scooters and bicycles with small, removable batteries that can be recharged at home or at work, large motorcycles are not. So they need a connected charging point for daily use. In addition, because their use is outside the city, they need fast charging stations like electric cars.
Although these facilities continue to grow at a good pace, The autonomy of motorcycles, which is lower than that of cars, forces them to stop often, which requires a greater number of charging points. The situation has changed compared to recent years, so it is expected that this reason may disappear from the list in the near future.
