Electric Future: Two wheels good, four wheels not so much
If you want to get anywhere fast in any developing country in the world, the best way is by motorbike. While most European and North American countries have relatively good-quality road networks that cover most if not all their regions, the same cannot be said of countries in Asia and elsewhere.
Even inside a typical Asian city, the traffic congestion is so bad that you can expect to be sitting in a four-wheeler for several hours to make a few km from one side of an urban sprawl to another. And outside these built-up areas, in rural settings, you’re highly unlikely to be complete your journey unless you’re on two wheels because either roads simply don’t exist or they’ve fallen into serious disrepair.
For these reasons and more, motorcycles are a massively popular mode of transport in Asia. In fact, when it comes to the number of electric motorcycles and scooters worldwide, the vast majority – 90 percent – are in the Asia Pacific region alone, according to Global Market Insights, which values the market now at $30 billion in total across the lithium-ion and sealed lead acid battery types. Annual growth is forecast at more than 5 percent.
GMI adds that the Electric Motorcycles and Scooters Market size is set to surpass $55 billion by 2032.
Emerging impacts of climate change and other pollution-related concerns will drive huge demand for electric two-wheelers. Vehicular emissions have become a major concern worldwide considering the increasing use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles and the incremental growth in the global population.
Government authorities like the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) are taking steps to promote the use of clean mobility solutions to reduce greenhouse gases.
In the Asia Pacific region, government bodies are providing subsidies to promote the sales of zero-emission vehicles. For instance, the Government of India has announced the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) scheme to support the adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles.
The electric motorcycles segment held over 32 percent of the electric motorcycles and scooters market share in 2022. The development of new and improved battery and powertrain technologies has supported the production of electric motorcycles with longer driving range and higher power output.
Growing consumer demand for e-motorcycles with higher performance and speed should complement this growth. The need for cheaper urban transport alternatives will accelerate the purchase of these vehicles.
The lithium-ion battery segment accounted for around 80 percent share of the electric motorcycles and scooters market in 2022. Li-ion batteries provide high power and energy output per unit of its mass.
The reduced size and weight of these batteries compared to other rechargeable variants have elevated its use in electric two-wheelers. High consumer preference for removable/swappable batteries that are easy to install and lightweight should boost the integration of Li-ion batteries by e-mobility firms.
In terms of voltage, the electric motorcycles and scooters market from other voltage segment, which constitutes of 12V-60V and 72V batteries, is anticipated to reach $8 billion by 2032. High-voltage batteries, which can provide high power output and long charging cycles, are ideal for heavy-duty electric motorcycles.
These batteries have a power rating of 12V-60V and 72V which can be used in heavy-duty electric motorcycles that offer longer range.
On the other hand, small electric scooters used for conducting shorter daily commutes in metropolitan cities are mainly powered by 12-volt batteries. Rising fuel prices and a pressing need for cheaper urban mobility solutions will influence the use of 12V-60V and 72V batteries in electric two-wheelers.
North America electric motorcycles and scooters market recorded more than $400 million in 2022. The sales of electric two-wheelers have elevated due to growing traffic concerns in the region. These vehicles are increasingly replacing gasoline-powered vehicles for performing daily commutes.
Demand for connected electric bikes and scooters with smart ride solutions is also growing in the United States and Canada. The widespread use of GPS and other smart navigational technologies made available by OEMs will greatly influence vehicle sales across these countries.
To obtain a competitive edge in the rapidly expanding electric motorcycles & scooters market, companies including Harley-Davidson, Zero Motorcycles and NIU Technologies are concentrating on the development of lightweight powertrain systems that reduce the overall vehicle weight and improve its performance.
New vehicle launches with advanced features will also complement industry growth. For instance, in November 2022, Matter Group, an electric vehicle startup, introduced an electric geared motorcycle which it plans to deliver in April 2023 and also launch electric scooters from 2023 to 2032.
According to Data Bridge Market Research, the Global Electric Motorcycles Market is dominated by firms such as:
- Yadea Group Holdings (China)
- Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle (China)
- NIU International (China)
- Silence Urban Ecomobility (Spain)
- Hero Electric (India)
- Blacksmith Electric (India)
- Electric Motion (France)
- Johammer e-mobility (Germany)
- Husqvarna Motorcycles (Austria)
- Essence Motorcycles (France)
- Zero Motorcycles (US)
- Razor USA (US)
- Torkmotors (India)
- Revolt Motors (India)
- Lito Motorcycles (France)
- Tacita (Italy)
- Bell Custom Cycles (US)
- Harley-Davidson (US)
- Alta Motors (US)
- Energica Motor Company (Italy)
Fuelling passion
A startup company called FUELL has launched a new electric motorbike it calls the “Fllow e-commuter”. The brainchild of its “legendary” CTO, Erik Buell, and his great engineering team at FUELL.
Buell was formerly the CTO of Buell Motorcycle Company, which eventually merged with Harley-Davidson.
FUELL is launching a pre-order campaign for its FUELL Fllow through the innovative platform Prelaunch.com:
Fllow is a modern “e-commuter” with a 10Kwh battery, an innovative wheel motor with a power of 47hp (optional 15hp), a highway-capable top speed, a high-voltage architecture, and a fast charging time. All this is packed in a machine weighing less than 400 lbs.
In an urban environment with pollution constraints/legislation, the pleasure of riding a meaningful machine has been re-invented with the features like:
- Large storage capacity chassis design
- Battery pack structurally integrated into chassis
- Advanced braking system
- Max modular vehicle construction
- Ultra-high torque motor uniquely integrated into the rear wheel
- Enough space for a bag and a full-face helmet
Currently, the product is in its pre-launching phase on Prelaunch.com, which functions as a market validation platform, that helps companies and innovators to showcase their product concepts, test customers’ buying willingness, get early supporters, and collect vital data until the launch of the product.