2023 Ducati MotoE V21L: DUCATI’S FIRST ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE.
Introducing the new 2023 Ducati MotoE V21L…
Future is getting closer
As of the 2023 season, Ducati will be the sole official supplier of bikes competing in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, the electric class of the MotoGP™ World Championship.
An exciting technological challenge to write a new, exciting chapter in Ducati’s great racing history, and redefine the future of electric mobility on two wheels.
For the first time in its history, from 2023 Ducati will be the sole official supplier in a world championship. It will do so with a brand new bike: the first racing Ducati equipped with a fully electric powertrain.
An unparalleled challenge
An electric motorbike sets completely different technological and engineering challenges than a conventional motorbike. But over the past few months, Ducati engineers and designers have been working together to find the best solutions.
An unprecedented motorbike
For Ducati, the racing world has always been the laboratory in which to develop new skills and produce technological innovation. What is coming to light is a unique electric motorbike, integrating never seen before technical solutions for battery pack, motor and inverter.
On-track testing
Alongside the work at Ducati factory, the development of the MotoE continues unabated with tests on the track. Ridden by Ducati’s official riders and test riders the prototype took on the curves of some of Italy’s most important circuits. Enjoy the video at Vallelunga Circuit!
“V21L” in Borgo Panigale identifies Ducati’s first electric motorcycle, a prototype that starting from 2023 will compete in the FIM MotoE™ World Cup, of which the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer will be a partner as sole supplier with 18 bikes on the track during each race weekend.
The MotoE project has strategic relevance for Ducati as it makes it possible to develop expertise for the future while maintaining the approach that has always fuelled the DNA of the Bologna-based manufacturer: experimenting with technological solutions in the world of racing competition and working to ensure that every development in this area can transfer to motorcycles destined for enthusiastic Ducatisti from all over the world.
Ducati MotoE prototype details revealed: expertise for the future developed through the competitions. Ducati unveils the technical details of the MotoE project in a video in which the prototype is illustrated by the team that has overseen its creation and is following its development.
2023 Ducati MotoE V21L Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- Ducati MotoE Prototype Details Revealed: Expertise for the Future Developed Through the Competitions
- Ducati presents the technical details of the “V21L” prototype, the first electric motorcycle from the Bologna-based manufacturer
- Ducati MotoE comes from the close collaboration between the R&D department of Ducati and Ducati Corse: it integrates technical solutions never adopted before for battery pack, motor and inverter
- Development of the project is already in an advanced stage and is proceeding at a rapid pace towards 2023, the year in which Ducati will take on the role of sole supplier of the FIM MotoE™ World Cup with 18 electric bikes on the track every race weekend
A united team of Ducati engineers and Ducati Corse
To build the MotoE prototype, the Borgo Panigale motorbike manufacturer assembled a team combining designers from Ducati and Ducati Corse, creating a truly extraordinary mix of skills. The realisation of the bike followed the procedure usually adopted on production motorbikes, triggering a close collaboration between team members that led to new ways of thinking and designing, stimulated by such a technologically challenging project.
Designed by Centro Stile Ducati
Ducati R&D took care of all the Project Management activities, together with the design and simulations on the electric powertrain, while the design of the MotoE was taken care by the Centro Stile Ducati which also created the livery of the bike.
Developed by Ducati Corse
Ducati Corse worked on the electronic parts design, on the software controls and strategies, on the simulations of the dynamics and aerodynamics of the motorcycle and finally on the bike assembly, testing and data acquisition processes. The test team led by Marco Palmerini, worked on the track applying the same methodologies used in MotoGP, thanks also to the support of the riders Michele Pirro, Alex De Angelis and Chaz Davies.
2023 Ducati MotoE V21L Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Zero emissions, pure technology
Code-name: V21L
The first electric Ducati is a unique bike, completely different from the zero-emission competition bikes seen to date. Developed in total synergy by Ducati and Ducati Corse engineers, it incorporates never seen before technical solutions for the battery pack, motor and inverter.
The initials “V21L” in Borgo Panigale identifies Ducati’s first electric motorcycle, a prototype that starting from 2023 will compete in the FIM MotoE™ World Cup, of which the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer will be a partner as sole supplier with 18 bikes on the track during each race weekend.
Battery pack
The battery pack is the most binding and characterizing element in terms of masses and dimensions, which on the Ducati MotoE is characterized by a shape specifically designed to follow the natural course of the middle area of the bike.
The battery pack weighs 242 lb and offers a capacity of 18 kWh with a 20-kW charging socket integrated into the tail. Inside there are 1,152 cylindrical cells of the “21700” type.
Chassis
The carbon fiber case of the battery pack also acts as a stressed part of the chassis, like what happens for the Ducati Panigale V4 engine, with an aluminim monocoque Front Frame for the front area weighing 8 lb.
The rear is composed of an aluminum swingarm weighing 10.5 lb with a geometry like that of the Ducati Desmosedici racing in MotoGP. The rear subframe, which integrates the tail and the rider seat, is made of carbon fiber.
Powertrain
The Ducati MotoE has a total weight of 496 lb (26 lb less than the minimum requirements imposed by Dorna and FIM for a bike capable of completing the race distance) and can count on maximum power and torque figures of 110 kW (150 hp) and 140 Nm.
These values allowed in a circuit like Mugello to reach a speed of 275 km/h. The Ducati MotoE has a total weight of 496 lb (26 lbless than the minimum requirements imposed by Dorna and FIM for a bike capable of completing the race distance) and can count on maximum power and torque figures of 110 kW (150 hp) and 140 Nm respectively, which allowed it to reach a speed of 275 km/h on a circuit like Mugello (Italy).
The inverter, with a low weight of11 lb, is a unit derived from a high-performance model used in motor racing for electric vehicles, while the motor (46 lb weight and a maximum rotation speed of 18,000 rpm) was developed by a partner following the technical specifications provided by Ducati. The entire system is based on a voltage of 800V (with a fully charged battery pack) to maximize the output of the electric powertrain and, as a consequence, performance and range.
Cooling system
The prototype components are cooled by a particularly sophisticated and efficient liquid system with a double circuit designed to meet the different thermal needs of the battery pack and the motor/inverter unit.
This guarantees extreme regularity of temperatures with important benefits in terms of consistency of performance but also in charging times. In fact, it is not necessary to wait for the battery pack to cool to start the process: the Ducati MotoE can be charged as soon as it enters the garage, and it takes about 45 minutes to recharge it up to 80% of its range.
Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: “A few weeks ago I had the extraordinary opportunity to ride the Ducati MotoE on the track and I immediately realized that I was living in a historic moment. The world is going through a complex period and environmental sustainability is an element that all individuals and all companies must consider a priority if we want to preserve the delicate balance of the planet. As Ducati, we have grasped this need and we went in search of a challenge that would allow us to contribute to the common goal of reducing CO₂ emissions and at the same time to keep faith with our DNA linked to racing. We agreed with determination to develop the most performing electric racing bike that current technology makes possible and to use this project as a laboratory in which to build our future. The result we have achieved is surprising. As soon as I sat on the bike I realized the quality of the work done by the team and when I returned to the garage I felt a deep sense of pride for what we were once again able to achieve”.
To produce the MotoE prototype, the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer put together a team that unites Ducati and Ducati Corse designers, creating a truly extraordinary mix of skills. The creation of the bike followed the procedure that is usually adopted for production bikes, triggering a close collaboration between the members of the team that led to new ways of thinking and designing, encouraged by such a technologically challenging project.
The division of tasks and the continuous dialogue between the people who make up the team were fundamental throughout the process. Ducati R&D took care of all the Project Management activities, together with the design and simulations on the electric powertrain, while the design of the MotoE was taken care by the Centro Stile Ducati which also created the livery of the bike. Ducati Corse, on the other hand, worked on the electronic parts design, on the software controls and strategies, on the simulations of the dynamics and aerodynamics of the motorcycle and finally on the bike assembly, testing and data acquisition processes.
The result to date is already satisfactory: the Ducati MotoE has a total weight of 496 lbs (26.5 lbs less than the minimum requirements imposed by Dorna and FIM for a bike capable of completing the race distance) and can count on maximum power and torque figures of 150 hp (110 kW) and 103 ft-lb respectively, which allowed it to reach a speed of 171 mph on a circuit like Mugello (Italy).
Vincenzo De Silvio, Ducati R&D Director: “For Ducati, having the opportunity to become suppliers of the FIM MotoE™ World Cup is not only a technologically exciting venture, but also the best way to interpret the challenges of the new millennium. Racing competition represents the ideal terrain on which to develop innovative technologies that will then transfer to production motorcycles. At this moment, the most important challenges in this field remain those related to the size, weight, autonomy of the batteries and the availability of the charging networks. Ducati’s experience in the FIM MotoE™ World Cup will be a fundamental support for product R&D, together with the physiological evolution of technology and chemistry. Helping the company’s internal expertise to grow is already essential today to be ready when the time comes to put the first street electric Ducati into production.”
The mix of expertise, passion and work of the Ducati MotoE team has led to the birth of an electric motorcycle with unique technical solutions. Starting with the battery pack, the most binding and characterizing element in terms of masses and dimensions, which on the Ducati MotoE is characterized by a shape specifically designed to follow the natural course of the middle area of the bike. The battery pack weighs 242.5 lbs and offers a capacity of 18 kWh with a 20-kW charging socket integrated into the tail. Inside there are 1,152 cylindrical cells of the “21700” type.
The inverter, with a low weight of 11 lbs, is a unit derived from a high-performance model used in motor racing for electric vehicles, while the motor (46.3 lbs and a maximum rotation speed of 18,000 rpm) was developed by a partner following the technical specifications provided by Ducati. The entire system is based on a voltage of 800V (with a fully charged battery pack) to maximize the output of the electric powertrain, performance and range.
One of the most advanced technical solutions tested on the Ducati MotoE relate to the cooling system. The prototype components are in fact cooled by a particularly sophisticated and efficient liquid system with a double circuit designed to meet the different thermal needs of the battery pack and the motor/inverter unit. This guarantees the regulation of the extreme temperatures with important benefits in terms of consistency of performance but also in charging times. In fact, it is not necessary to wait for the battery pack to cool to start the process: the Ducati MotoE can be charged as soon as it enters the garage, and it takes about 45 minutes to recharge it up to 80% of its range.
The carbon fiber case of the battery pack also acts as a stressed part of the chassis, similar for the Ducati Panigale V4 engine, with an aluminium monocoque Front Frame for the front area weighing 8.2 lbs. The rear is composed of an aluminium swingarm weighing 10.6 lbs with a geometry like that of the Ducati Desmosedici racing in MotoGP. The rear subframe, which integrates the tail and the rider seat, is made of carbon fiber.
The suspension features an Öhlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork with 43 mm diameter upside-down tubes at the front, derived from the Superleggera V4, while an Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber is present at the rear and is fully adjustable. The steering damper is an adjustable Öhlins unit.
The braking system is supplied by Brembo and is sized for the specific requirements of the Ducati MotoE. At the front it is composed of a double steel disc with a diameter of 338.5 mm of increased thickness, which has fins on the internal diameter with the aim of increasing the thermal exchange surface area and improve disc cooling in conditions of extreme use on the track. On this double disc operate two GP4RR M4 32/36 calipers with a PR19/18 radial master cylinder operate on this double disc. At the rear, the P34 caliper acts on a single disc unit 220 mm in diameter and 5 mm thick with a PS13 master cylinder. Teams can also choose to equip their bikes with an optional rear brake control positioned on the left handlebar, which the rider can use as an alternative to the pedal one.
Roberto Canè, Ducati eMobility Director: “I remember the birth of the MotoE project and every phase of the composition of the work team well, with the involvement of Ducati Corse colleagues and the search for contacts within the Volkswagen Group who could give us suggestions on how to develop this project. To make this bike we followed the same procedure that we usually follow on a production bike. We started by defining the design of the bike and in parallel the technical office began to design the various vehicle components. The initial brief was to create a racing bike that respected the minimum performance characteristics required by Dorna. As a matter of fact, this project has made and is making the whole team involved fall in love and is pushing us to create a bike with better characteristics than initially requested by the organizer “.
The development process of the Ducati MotoE also involved the Ducati Corse test team led by Marco Palmerini, who worked on the track applying the same methodologies used in MotoGP, thanks also to the support of the riders Michele Pirro, Alex De Angelis and Chaz Davies. Through the work on the electronics, the aim was to obtain a throttle response like that of an internal combustion engine and a response from the electronic controls (such as Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control and throttle/engine brake maps) indistinguishable from that of the racing bikes that Ducati riders are used to.
The possibility of applying the development and test method already used in MotoGP, with a precise sequence of tests to be carried out on the various components to maximize the performance of each day on the track, was achieved also thanks to the efficiency of the cooling system, which has reduced charging times to a minimum, thus allowing for a truly significant continuity of use for an electric motorcycle. The development work involved a specific learning and training course for all the personnel involved, exploiting the knowledge shared within the Volkswagen Group, to ensure the total safety of the rider and technicians.
The fact that Ducati belongs to the Volkswagen Group, which has made electric mobility an essential element of its “New Auto” 2030 strategy, represents the best prerequisite for an extraordinary exchange of expertise in the field of electric powertrains. Ducati is in close contact with the Group’s centers of expertise and with the Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Salzgitter in Germany, but also with other brands of the Group such as Porsche and Lamborghini.
The work plan of the Ducati MotoE project has already reached an advanced stage of development and is proceeding at a rapid pace towards 2023, the year in which Ducati will take on the role of sole supplier of the FIM MotoE™ World Cup with 18 electric motorcycles on the track every weekend. The next objective for the Bologna-based manufacturer is to take advantage of participation in the most important racing competition in the world for electric motorcycles to experiment with innovative technologies, train new skills and study how to create, as soon as the technology will allow, a Ducati electric vehicle that is sporty, light, exciting and able to satisfy all enthusiasts.
2023 Ducati MotoE V21L – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Battery Pack
The battery pack weighs 242.5 lb and offers a capacity of 18 kWh with a 20-kW charging socket integrated into the tail. Inside there are 1,152 cylindrical cells of the “21700” type.
Motor
Power: 110 kW / 150 cv. ( 150 hp and 103.3 ft-lbs)
Torque: 140 Nm.
maximum rotation speed: 18.000 rpm
Weight: 46.2 lb.
Inverter
Efficiency: up to 99%.
Weight: 11 lb.
Cooling System
The prototype components are cooled by a particularly sophisticated and efficient liquid system with a double circuit designed to meet the different thermal needs of the battery pack and the motor/inverter unit.
Frame
Aluminum monocoque Front Frame for the front area weighing 8.15 lb.
Suspension
Front: hlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork with 43 mm diameter upside-down tubes
Rear: Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber
The steering damper is an adjustable Öhlins unit
Braking System
Brembo: at the front, it consists of a steel double disc with a diameter of 338.5 mm of increased thickness currently being selected between 6.8 and 7.4 mm, which has fins on the inner diameter in order to increase the heat exchange surface and improve disc cooling under extreme track use. Two GP4RR M4 32/36 calipers with a PR19/18 radial master cylinder operate on this double disc. At the rear, the P34 caliper operates a 220 mm diameter, 5 mm thick single disc unit with a PS13 master cylinder.
Electronics
The Electronic controls developed by Ducati Corse such as Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control and throttle/engine brake maps are indistinguishable from that of the racing bikes that Ducati riders are used to.
Total weight
496 lb.
Wheelbase
1,471 mm.
Maximum recorded speed
275 km/h, recorded at Mugello Circuit.
2023 Ducati MotoE V21L – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Battery Pack
The battery pack weighs 242.5 lb and offers a capacity of 18 kWh with a 20-kW charging socket integrated into the tail. Inside there are 1,152 cylindrical cells of the “21700” type.
Motor
Power: 110 kW / 150 cv. ( 150 hp and 103.3 ft-lbs)
Torque: 140 Nm.
maximum rotation speed: 18.000 rpm
Weight: 46.2 lb.
Inverter
Efficiency: up to 99%.
Weight: 11 lb.
Cooling System
The prototype components are cooled by a particularly sophisticated and efficient liquid system with a double circuit designed to meet the different thermal needs of the battery pack and the motor/inverter unit.
Frame
Aluminum monocoque Front Frame for the front area weighing 8.15 lb.
Suspension
Front: hlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork with 43 mm diameter upside-down tubes
Rear: Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber
The steering damper is an adjustable Öhlins unit
Braking System
Brembo: at the front, it consists of a steel double disc with a diameter of 338.5 mm of increased thickness currently being selected between 6.8 and 7.4 mm, which has fins on the inner diameter in order to increase the heat exchange surface and improve disc cooling under extreme track use. Two GP4RR M4 32/36 calipers with a PR19/18 radial master cylinder operate on this double disc. At the rear, the P34 caliper operates a 220 mm diameter, 5 mm thick single disc unit with a PS13 master cylinder.
Electronics
The Electronic controls developed by Ducati Corse such as Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control and throttle/engine brake maps are indistinguishable from that of the racing bikes that Ducati riders are used to.
Total weight
496 lb.
Wheelbase
1,471 mm.
Maximum recorded speed
275 km/h, recorded at Mugello Circuit.
2023 Ducati MotoE V21L – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Battery Pack
The battery pack weighs 242.5 lb and offers a capacity of 18 kWh with a 20-kW charging socket integrated into the tail. Inside there are 1,152 cylindrical cells of the “21700” type.
Motor
Power: 110 kW / 150 cv.
Torque: 140 Nm.
maximum rotation speed: 18.000 rpm
Weight: 46.2 lb.
Inverter
Efficiency: up to 99%.
Weight: 11 lb.
Cooling System
The prototype components are cooled by a particularly sophisticated and efficient liquid system with a double circuit designed to meet the different thermal needs of the battery pack and the motor/inverter unit.
Frame
Aluminum monocoque Front Frame for the front area weighing 8.15 lb.
Suspension
Front: hlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork with 43 mm diameter upside-down tubes
Rear: Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber
The steering damper is an adjustable Öhlins unit
Braking System
Brembo: at the front, it consists of a steel double disc with a diameter of 338.5 mm of increased thickness currently being selected between 6.8 and 7.4 mm, which has fins on the inner diameter in order to increase the heat exchange surface and improve disc cooling under extreme track use. Two GP4RR M4 32/36 calipers with a PR19/18 radial master cylinder operate on this double disc. At the rear, the P34 caliper operates a 220 mm diameter, 5 mm thick single disc unit with a PS13 master cylinder.
Electronics
The Electronic controls developed by Ducati Corse such as Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control and throttle/engine brake maps are indistinguishable from that of the racing bikes that Ducati riders are used to.
Total weight
496 lb.
Wheelbase
1,471 mm.
Maximum recorded speed
275 km/h, recorded at Mugello Circuit.
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
