Harley-Davidson reaffirms commitment to electric motorcycles
A new electric vehicle department is proof of Harley-Davidson's dedication to electric motorcycle technologyHarley-Davidson has expressed its commitment to the development of electric motorcycles by appointing a new Chief Electric Vehicle Officer.
The Motor Company has secured Ryan Morrissey to head up its electric department. Morrissey brings with him over two decades of experience in disruptive technologies and the development of new business ventures.
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The appointment follows the release of H-D’s ‘The Hardwire’ 2021-2025 strategic plan, which outlined a ‘strengthened commitment’ to electric with the creation of a dedicated division focused exclusively on ‘leading the future of electric motorcycles.’
According to the strategy, Harley believes electric motorcycles are important to its future and that the company is committed to ‘remaining at the forefront of electric motorcycle technology.’
Harley-Davidson became the first of the major OEMs to launch a fully-fledged production electric road motorcycle in 2020 with the release of the LiveWire.
New territory
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire, along with the new Pan America adventure bike, is an attempt to revive the struggling company by pushing into new segments outside of traditional V-twin cruisers.
Despite positive reviews from the media, however, critics were quick to point out the large price tag ($49,995 ride away), relatively low battery range (235km of city use), and lack of charging stations as major flaws of the machine.
Some criticisms from the general public have even suggested that the LiveWire was a failed experiment, and that Harley could dump electric technology from its future plans.
The appointment of Morrissey as Chief Electric Vehicle Officer appears to quash those notions, with the company ‘committed to delivering the most desirable electric motorcycles in the world.’
Electric conversation
The electric bike debate has been growing louder in recent years, with some countries moving to announce bans on internal combustion engine vehicles by the end of the decade.
Major manufacturers and smaller start-ups are continuing to develop new technology, and it’s only a matter of time before prices fall and battery range is increased.
A number of OEMs, including Honda, KTM, Piaggio, and Yamaha recently announced a collective intention to develop swappable battery technology. The hope is that this partnership will help promote the widespread use of electric motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson is expected to reveal more details about its electric strategy later in the year.
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