by Electric Motorcycles and Innovative Batteries
Electric motorcycles have not yet gained the same popularity as electric cars, but developments in this field continue. The Volkswagen Group is testing innovative solid-state battery cells on a specially equipped Ducati sportbike, which was presented at the IAA Mobility exhibition in Munich. These batteries have the potential to change not only the motorcycle industry but also the automotive world as a whole.
Ducati’s Role in Implementing New Technologies
Ducati, which is owned by the Volkswagen Group, is the sole supplier of motorcycles for the MotoE World Championship, making it a key player in the industry. However, their racing electric bike still cannot match the weight of conventional motorcycles with internal combustion engines and also has a limited range. This is where solid-state batteries come to the rescue.
A Prototype with a Specific Purpose
An updated version of the Ducati V21L prototype was presented in Germany. It is equipped with 980 QSE-5 cells from QuantumScape. These cells use a lithium metal anode and a ceramic separator, promising significant improvements in energy density, fast charging, safety, and durability compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Solid-State Batteries for Motorcycles and Cars
The Italian manufacturer does not disclose how much the solid-state battery of the special V21L prototype weighs, nor what range it provides. However, if the technology can be perfected, it could find its way into series-production road motorcycles. Testing will continue in the coming months, and the motorcycle will hit the track.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali noted: “At Ducati, we have a long history of pushing the boundaries of technology to improve the riding experience both on the road and on the track. Our commitment to innovation has allowed us to achieve incredible results, including a record of six consecutive Constructors’ titles in MotoGP. The high energy density achieved through solid-state technology is perfectly suited for a high-performance vehicle like a sports motorcycle.”
Broad Prospects of the Technology
The connection with QuantumScape is not new. Volkswagen has been collaborating with the California-based battery specialist for over a decade with the same goal – to implement solid-state cells in series-production cars. Thus, testing on Ducati is not only an experiment for motorcycles but also a moving laboratory for the development of the next generation of electromobility.
The implementation of solid-state batteries could be a key step in overcoming the main drawbacks of electric cars and motorcycles, such as limited range, long charging times, and weight. If the technology lives up to expectations, it could significantly accelerate the transition to eco-friendly vehicles worldwide, making them more practical and accessible to the mass consumer.
