Electric mobility on display at EICMA 2024, the most important international exhibition dedicated to the world of two wheels, from 5 to 10 November in Milan.
Electric mobility on display at EICMA 2024, from 5 to 10 November – Year after year, electric and sustainable mobility plays an increasingly leading role at EICMA. Electric vehicles in Italy are already worth 5% of the market and are set to rise in the future, especially in urban mobility and off-road. The global market for electric two-wheelers is a consolidated reality, both in Europe and in key markets such as those in Southeast Asia. It is therefore natural that the presence of electric mopeds and motorcycles has become a fixed point in the most important international exhibition dedicated to the world of two-wheelers. Let's see which electric models can be seen among the stands of EICMA 2024.
Among the stands of the Milanese show it is possible to see the Ducati V21L, the electric prototype used in the World Championship MotoE 2024. At EICMA, this year, there are three examples of the V21L: one at the stand Ducati, together with the MotoGP24 and the Panigale SBK, one is exhibited at the FELO stand with the Gresini Racing team livery and one at the Dell'Orto stand, the data acquisition partner of the MotoE.
Of the four Japanese manufacturers, only Kawasaki has brought electric motorcycles to the series. These are two electric motorcycles, the Ninja e-1 and the Z e-1, and a hybrid motorcycle, the Ninja 7 HEV, already presented at EICMA last year.
The Ninja e-1 and the Z e-1 are two similar models with characteristics comparable to those of small-displacement combustion engine motorcycles. The trellis frame is closely derived from that of the Ninja and the Z 400. The design of the electric models also reflects that of the Japanese brand's endothermic motorcycles. These two models were created to fit within the 125cc segment.
The Ninja 7 Hybrid is the first motorcycle Strong Hybrid with internal combustion engine and electric motor produced on a large scale. The heart of the Ninja 7 Hybrid is based on the combination of a new 451 cc four-stroke parallel twin engine, water-cooled, complete with manual or automatic gear selection, and an electric motor; an innovative combination in the world of motorcycles that offers a series of new riding experiences. The normal power of the powertrain is 43,5 kW, a value that rises to 51,1 kW thanks to the electric e-boost. In terms of size, the Ninja 7 Hybrid features a mid-sized package that offers overall performance from 650cc – 700cc.
Little is known about Suzuki, except that it is working on an electric version of the Burgmann scooter, presented in prototype form at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show. Honda will have something to show in the field of electric mobility, even if only at the prototype and concept level. We are talking about the EV Fun Concept, the EV Urban Concept and the CR Electric Proto. The latter is an electric motocross bike with which Honda participated in the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup with its official HRC team composed of Spaniard Tosha Schareina and Italian Francesca Nocera. There are no technical characteristics of this bike that Honda developed with Mugen.
The EV Fun Concept is a sporty naked model equivalent to a mid-size internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle. Equipped with a fixed battery, it is Honda's first electric sports model and will be available for sale by the end of 2025. The EV Urban Concept is an electric model that embodies Honda's vision of urban electric mobility, with a design focused on functionality, connected technologies and a battery pack developed in-house.
The EV Fun Concept's charging system and charging have been developed by applying Honda's automotive and Power (green, agri, industry) know-how and technologies. The battery is compatible with the CCS2 fast charger (the same standard as cars) and has been developed to optimize the balance between light weight and fast charging performance, as well as providing a range of over 100 km, suitable for urban use. With the unveiling of the EV Fun Concept and EV Urban Concept, Honda is making significant progress toward its goal of introducing 30 electric models globally by 2030.
From the United States to Milan, Zero Motorcycles brought two new models that will enrich its range of electric motorcycles. We are talking about the two XE and XB models that are part of the brand new X-Line of the American manufacturer that aims to introduce more performing models in one of the most promising segments for electric growth.
The Zero XE is a motorcycle designed for off-road fun equipped with a swappable 4,3 kWh battery. In Europe, the Zero XE will be sold as a street-legal model, while in North America it will be intended for off-road use only. The Zero XB is an even more accessible and lightweight model, equipped with a 2,4 kWh battery.
In addition to these two new additions, Zero Motorcycles is showcasing its MY25 S and DS lineups at EICMA, with new colorways for the flagship models. The DSR/X Black Forest, fully equipped with Zero Motorcycles’ full range of custom adventure accessories and performance upgrades, is back in a limited run for adventure seekers.
At the KTM stand you can see the new Freeride E. The Austrian bike is completely new, compared to the bike that KTM built 10 years ago. The 2025 bike is completely new, starting with the permanent magnet electric motor (PMSM) capable of generating a nominal power of 11 kW and a peak power of 19 kW which translates into a maximum speed of 95 km/h and a maximum torque of over 37 Nm. The maximum rotation speed is 12000 rpm.
The battery is the MX50 lithium-ion unit with 5,5 kWh and weighs 29 kg. It has been designed to be easily interchangeable and allows the use of a second battery pack while the first is charging, or the use of both battery packs to increase the range. The new KTM Freeride E is equipped with an integrated 660 W charger. A full charge takes 8 hours from a standard household socket, while charging from 20% to 80% takes 4 to 5 hours. The weight of the Freeride E is 115 kg and the seat height is 906 mm.
The motor and battery are load-bearing and integrated into the chromoly steel frame and the hybrid subframe made of glass fiber reinforced aluminum. The 2025 KTM Freeride E will be available at KTM dealers from January 2025.
Husqvarna also brings an electric cross, the Pioneer, sister of the Freeride E. This new electric-powered model is approved for the road with a WMTC range of 137 kilometers. The battery is a 5,54 kWh lithium-ion battery and is combined with an 11 kW motor and a peak power of 19,2 kW and 37,6 Nm of torque. The overall weight of the Pioneer is 109 kg.
At EICMA 2024, Royal Enfield is entering the world of electric motorcycles with the launch of a new dedicated brand: Flying Flea. The name comes from the motorcycle of the same name produced by Royal Enfield in the 40s. Designed to be parachuted into war territory, the Flying Flea was characterized by its lightness and agility.
The first model in the Flying Flea range is called the FF-C6 and has a retro-futuristic design. Inspired by the original model, it has a forged aluminum Girder fork, a nod to the bikes of the 20s and 30s. The frame is also made of forged aluminum, light and resistant, while the magnesium battery housing reduces weight and improves cooling. However, there is also a scrambler-style variant, called the S6. At the moment there are no technical data for these models that will arrive on the market in 2026.
At the Royal Enfield stand you can also see the evolution of the electric Himalayan prototype.
Among the European companies, BMW returns to EICMA with the CE 04 and CE 02 maxi-scooters. The BMW CE 04 scooter is the first chapter of what BMW calls its “electromobility strategy”. The CE 04 is equipped with a permanent magnet electric motor mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel. The maximum power is 31kW at 4900rpm (23 kW in the reduced power version) which allows it to reach the declared maximum speed of 120km/h and represents real competition to maxi-scooters with combustion engines. The maximum torque of over 60 Nm is available from 0 to 4 900 rpm. From zero to 50 km/h it takes 2,6 seconds. The electric motor is liquid-cooled and the radiator is installed in the front of the vehicle. The declared autonomy is 130 km.
The BMW CE 02 represents the new entry point into the world of electric two-wheelers offered by BMW Motorrad. It is aimed primarily at young people and is neither an e-motorbike nor an e-scooter. It is an eParkourer, created for the city and the urban environment. With a top speed of 95 km/h, the vehicle is also fast on fast roads, while the range of over 90 km (for the 11 kW version according to WMTC) allows for extended adventures in the city. Thanks to its low weight of just 132 kg (11 kW version) or 119 kg (4 kW version) and low seat height of just 750 mm, the new CE 02 also stands out for its easy handling characteristics.
Among the other noteworthy electric novelties at EICMA 2024, we would like to point out the CFMOTO CF-X, the concept bike for a future motocross model with performance comparable to a 450cc, and the models presented by Ultraviolette, an Indian company active since 2016 in the design and production of electric road motorcycles with a very futuristic look.
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