Electric motorcycle manufacturers have been dropping like flies in 2024.
First, it was Swedish startup CAKE declaring bankruptcy in February, followed by British boutique Arc entering administration just a month later. More recently, Energica folded in early October, and mere days afterward, FUELL — co-founded by Erik Buell — also closed its doors.
Even with dwindling consumer and investor interest and an industry that’s perpetually in flux, OEMs aren’t giving up on electric motorcycles. In fact, several new and established brands aim to revive the category with model unveilings at EICMA 2024.
Royal Enfield’s Electric Himalayan prototype sits at the base of snow-covered mountains.
Royal Enfield is pushing the limits of electric performance by testing its electric ADV prototype in the Himalayas. *Photo courtesy of Royal Enfield.*
Providing a Spark
Royal Enfield has yet to officially enter the electric segment but has shown interest in recent years. In 2022, images of the vintage-inspired Electrik01 concept surfaced. Then, in 2023, RE surprised the EICMA crowd with the Electric Himalayan prototype, a test bed for high-performance applications. A recent teaser from Royal Enfield hints at more to come in this year’s show.
On October 15, the company released a video on Instagram featuring a parachute descending from the sky, which, when fully revealed, was attached to a motorcycle. Posted in collaboration with Royal Enfield EV, the brand’s electric-focused account, the silhouette of the bike strongly suggests an electric model.
The parachute theme could also nod to the Royal Enfield WD/RE, a motorcycle produced for the British War Office during World War II. Nicknamed the “Flying Flea,” this lightweight model was often dropped by parachute. Conveniently, Royal Enfield trademarked the “Flying Flea” name in 2020, hinting that it may debut its first electric motorcycle in 2025.
**Husqvarna: Testing New Terrain**
Husqvarna has been cautiously exploring the electric motorcycle market. Back in 2021, it partnered with Bajaj to develop the E-Pilen, an entry-level electric model based on its 401 Vitpilen/Svartpilen series. Although Husky also teased an e-scooter and stand-up electric scooter, none of these concepts have gone to production.
However, Husqvarna seems ready to take a different direction entirely. According to a recent press release, it’s preparing to unveil a “pioneering motorcycle” at this year’s show. And, intriguingly, documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest that the new model might be a street-legal electric motorcycle dubbed the Pioneer. Only time will tell.
Something Different from LiveWire
The latest earnings report for Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire division was underwhelming, with the electric subsidiary selling just 99 units and posting a $22.7 million loss in Q3. In response, LiveWire has enacted cost-saving measures and plans to unveil a “new product line aimed at driving growth.” This new lineup is set to be revealed at EICMA.
