The Motor of the Ducati MotoE
Performance and characteristics of the electric motor of the Ducati MotoE – The engine is the distinctive element of a motorcycle and determines its character and image. This also applies, in part, to an electric bike, whose performance and driving style depends on the characteristics of the battery, the motor and the electronic control that manages them.
On the Ducati MotoE, the motor reaches maximum power and torque of 110 kW (150 HP) and 140 Nm, respectively and operates in a speed range that extends up to 18000 rpm. The entire system is based on a voltage of 800V and was developed by a partner following the technical specifications provided by Ducati. The supply voltage and the high number of revolutions have allowed Ducati to maximize the efficiency of the electric powertrain and, at the same time, to minimize the motor's weight, which reaches just 21 kg.
Officially there is no information on the type of motor developed by Ducati for its first electric motorcycle, but it is almost certainly a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor (PMAC - Permanent Magnet AC Motor). If it were possible to disassemble it, it would be possible to see if it is a motor with surface magnets (SPM-SM) or internal magnets (IPM-SM).
For those wishing to learn more about the technology of electric motors, additional information is in the "Technical" section of Epaddock.
The motor and the inverter are cooled by the same circuit, while the battery has a dedicated cooling system. Of the two radiators at the front of the bike, the smaller one, mounted in the lower position, has a dedicated motor-inverter circuit. The coolant made up of water and suitable anti-corrosion additives is kept in circulation by a mechanical pump which is part of the motor casing.
The electrical part, made up of the rotor and the stator, is in the lower part of the motor casing, to lower the centre of gravity as much as possible. The pinion is instead in the upper part. The motion from the electric rotor to the pinion is transmitted by a fixed-ratio gearbox. The mechanical part of the motor is lubricated with a specific Shell oil for electric motors.
Like the battery, also the motor of the Ducati MotoE is a structural part of the motorcycle. At the front, the motor is fixed to the battery itself, while, at the rear, it is connected to the two plates which house the swingarm pivot. The link of the shock absorber is also fixed to the motor, specifically in the lower part.
The data of the motor of the Ducati MotoE
Typology: permanent magnet synchronous motor
Potenza: 110 kW (150 hp)
Torque: 140 Nm
Maximum number of revolutions: 18000rpm
Weight :21 kg
Cooling: by liquid
Lubrication: by a Shell oil specific for electric motors
MotoE World Championship
The Ducati MotoE
Ducati MotoE
The gallery of Ducati's electric motorbike
Photos: Ducati
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