Ducati has recently unveiled its first electric race motorcycle, named the V21L prototype. The forthcoming V21L will participate in the MotoE category of the MotoGP world championship from 2023 onwards. Earlier this year, Ducati revealed its intention of supplying electric racer bikes for the series, and now, after bringing to light the first-ever electric bike, the Italian two-wheeler maker is entering the electric vehicle space.
This prototype is the outcome of the endless efforts of the Ducati Corse team and Ducati R&D engineers under the oversight of Roberto Cane, Ducati eMobility Director. However, the brand has not shared the specifications of the bike since it is a prototype, but still, there are some indications about the features of the upcoming bike. Most of the body panels of the bike are made from carbon fibre to reduce the bodyweight since the battery pack in the electric vehicle adds up to the overall weight.
After testing the V21L’s prototype at the Misano race track, Michele Pirro stated that the light makes good balance while riding and that the ergonomics are mostly identical to the MotoGP bike. Speaking of the appearance of the bike, it is beautifully designed with sharp features like a pointed nose and tail section. The hardware on the bike is also appealing, with Brembo units for braking, Ohlins for suspension, and Marchesini wheels.
The major challenge for the manufacturer in producing such an e-racing bike was to preserve the weight, size, and range of the battery at the optimal level. Ducati’s prime focus is to make light-weighted, high-performance motorcycles for the FIM Enel Moto racers. Despite the fact that the brand doesn’t intend to produce an electric motorcycle anytime soon, we can optimistically expect a road-legal bike similar to the V21L to be introduced to the market in the distant future.