The MotoE is Ducati's first EV racer

First revealed earlier in the year, the V21L MotoE has been undergoing an extensive period of research and development. The MotoE as claimed by Ducati weighs 225kg, while power and torque from its electric motor is 150PS (110kW) and 140Nm (104lb ft) respectively, the MotoE’s top speed is over 170mph. 

The battery pack itself weighs just 110kg, with an 18kWh capacity. The motor is 21kg, with the whole bike using an 800-volt architecture. The inverter unit is motorsport-derived, Ducati says, from electric racing car tech. Being in the Volkswagen Group, there’s likely some VW ID.R-derived wisdom going into this project.

An innovative new double-circuit liquid cooling system is said to perfectly regulate the varying demands of both the battery pack and the motor/inverter. That allows regular consistency in terms of performance and charging. The battery pack’s case is a stressed member of the chassis, as is the case with the V4 engine in a Panigale. There’s Ohlins suspension front and back, with braking by Brembo.

We’ll be seeing a grid of 18 Ducati MotoE racers go head-to-head next year for the FIM MotoE World Cup. Ducati’s way has always been to develop and compete with race bikes that inform the roadgoing machinery that follows and the MotoE will be no different. An E-Panigale can’t be too far away…