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The manufacturer of Borgo Panigale is writing a new page in its history by unveiling to the public its first electric motorcycle, currently called V21L.
It is the beginning of an important chapter in the history of Ducati. The arrival of the manufacturer’s first electric motorcycle indeed marks a turning point in the Italian company’s sporting approach and provides a glimpse of future paths. If, for the moment, the mass production of a civilian electric motorcycle is not relevant, the fact that the first laps of the V21L (it does not yet have an official name) took place on the Misano Marco Simoncelli circuit is a strong sign.
Indeed, from 2023, this Ducati V21L will be entered in the MotoE, the electric counterpart of the Moto Grand Prix. It is supposed to replace the Energica EGO Corsa, which will bow out at the end of the 2022 season. Until then, the Ducati V21L still has time to evolve, but according to house test driver Michele Pirro, who has had the honor of taking it in hand, this two-wheeler turns out to be a good surprise, especially in terms of “its balance and response to the accelerator”.
The biggest challenges in developing an electric racing motorcycle are related to size, weight and battery life. If Ducati remains stingy with details, we notice that the swingarm is perforated to reduce weight, that the fairing is in carbon fiber and that the shock absorber is positioned very low. A liquid cooling system also seems to be in the game.
Ducati, which belongs to the Volkswagen group, ensures that it is working closely with the German manufacturer on battery technology. This has indeed its own battery development center. The goal is to be able, at least, to turn at full speed for 8 turns. If we will have to wait a while for additional technical information, it is interesting to note that the manufacturer has not closed itself to electricity, despite the announcements concerning its research on synthetic fuels. It is still too early to imagine an electric Ducati on the road, but this V21L remains a first in the history of the Borgo Panigale firm.