Discover 10 EV Motorcycle Manufacturers Today

Discover 10 EV Motorcycle Manufacturers on the Cutting Edge Today

With climate change and fossil fuel dependence driving a global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), we are seeing rapid innovation in EV technology across all vehicle types, including motorcycles. Once viewed as little more than a novelty sideshow, EV motorcycles have now firmly entered the mainstream as major players like Harley-Davidson, Energica and others commit R&D dollars to electric powertrains. In this expert technology brief, we will survey the EV motorcycle landscape, analyze the top manufacturers pushing the industry forward, and glimpse into the future of these silent, high-tech bikes.

The Rise of Electric Motorcycles

While still representing less than 2% of total motorcycles sold globally, sales of electric models grew over 50% last year as battery costs fell 20% or more. Major motorcycle companies have taken notice, with stalwarts like BMW, Honda, Yamaha and more recently Harley-Davidson announcing electric models and integration plans. Startups focusing exclusively on electric are also proliferating and gaining investor attention.

What’s driving this trend? Several interrelated factors:

• Government emission regulations becoming more stringent, following the lead of rules on electric cars
• Declining lithium-ion battery prices making electric drivetrains more affordable
• Instant torque and low maintenance of electric motors appealing to riders
• Potential for bike sharing programs suited to short urban trips on electric models
• Gen Z and young riders more attracted to leading tech vs heritage brands

While range anxiety persists given battery limitations, most electric motorbikes today can easily handle urban commuting and short highway trips. As charging infrastructure grows and next-gen batteries promise longer ranges, EVs will continue taking motorcycle market share.

Top 10 Electric Motorcycle Manufacturers by Revenue

1. Harley-Davidson – $4.54 Billion

The iconic American motorcycle brand has embraced electrification across its product portfolio, starting with its first LiveWire branded electric model in 2019. While the bulk of revenue still comes from legacy gas models, Harley’s big bet on electric via the standalone LiveWire brand and a full slate of e-bikes shows its confidence in EV future.

LiveWire One, the brand’s flagship electric street bike, offers 146 miles of urban range, a 100+ mph top speed, smart tech features and fast DC fast charging. With a starting price around $22,000, it competes solidly on performance while carrying the Harley badge that commands strong brand loyalty.

2. Niu Technologies – $538 Million

This Chinese “Uber for electric scooters” rents rather than sells its urban commuter 2-wheelers, but is still delivering impressive revenue growth upwards of 50% annually. Niu deploys over 635,000 scooters in over 200 cities globally and has begun expanding in Europe and Asia beyond its China stronghold.

Its flagship NQi GT is a sharp looking electric scooter with a top speed of 62 mph and nimble handling – ideal for quick trips across congested city centers. Niu outsources manufacturing but tightly integrates the supply chain, working closely with partners like Bosch (motors) and Panasonic (batteries). It is also planning to launch an electric motorcycle in 2023.

3. Zero Motorcycles – $60 Million

With electric models that can hit 140+ mph, Zero is entirely focused on performance electric bikes rather than low speed urban putt-putts. The Santa Cruz, CA based startup has attracted equity investment from global powers like BMW, showing its tech and product savviness.

Zero’s 2023 SR offers a 161 mile range from an air-cooled 17.3 kWh battery pack and sports 110 ft lb of torque. While the bike can recharge 80% in about an hour at DC fast charge stations, Zero also offers modular power packs that can be quickly swapped for longer excursions. If you want electric that truly rivals gas performance, Zero is a top choice.

4. LiveWire – $35.8 Million

LiveWire was originally launched within Harley-Davidson back in 2014 as its electric bike division before being spun out in 2021 as a standalone company. Its attractive debut model, built in partnership with Panasonic‘s electric vehicle battery division, offers DC fast charging to 80% in 45 minutes.

While LiveWire has struggled to rationalize its position vis-à-vis the legacy Harley brand, its technology and distinctive styling have earned credibility in the e-motorcycle world. It reportedly has a dozen all-new electric two-wheeler models in development. Backed by H-D capital and technical resources, LiveWire still holds long term potential.

5. Energica Motor Company – $33.7 Million

This Italian EV specialist has focused exclusively on high performance electric bikes since its founding in 2010. The company cut its teeth working with CRP Technology on developing the eCRP 1.0 electric racing bike which competed successfully in international competitions like the Isle of Man TT Zero.

Energica’s subsequent electric street legal models like its 2023 Ego sportbike tout a top speed of 150 mph and a maximum range of 200 miles per charge. Blending Italian stylistic flair with expertise adapting racing e-powertrains for commercial markets, Energica caters to a premium niche audience of eco-minded speed-demons.

6. Damon Motorcycles – $27.4 Million

Founded in Canada in 2017 and now based in Vancouver, Damon took the motorcycle world by storm with its debut Hypersport model unveiled in 2020. The bike boasts 200 horsepower with a 200 mph top speed and sleek aesthetics. But Damon’s biggest innovation is its CoPilot system – a 360o warning system with cameras, radars and sensors to maximize safety.

This integrated collision warning and avoidance technology convinced investors like Starlight Capital to back the startup, seeing mainstream as well as racing potential. While the $50,000 Hypersport is still in pre-order, Damon’s technology and performance focus hits the electric sweet spot.

7. Verge Motorcycles – $10.2 Million

Headquartered in Estonia and founded in 2018, Verge is another electric bike startup with an intense high-performance focus. Its TS model – offered in Street, Pro and Ultra versions – pumps out 124 mph by utilizing powerful 150 kW motors.

The company differentiates based on ultra-fast acceleration, claiming 0 to 60 times as quick as 2.5 seconds. More affordably priced in the $15-20K bracket, Verge offers innovative approaches like video game style design configs and monthly payment plans. As a budget conscious but speed loving brand, it has carved out a growing base of young riders.

8. Stealth Electric Bikes – $9.7 Million

Founded in Australia in 2008, Stealth Electric is an unconventional EV firm. Originally specializing in components and custom e-bikes for military use, it later expanded into high power civilian recreational models.

Stealth‘s bikes boast beefy 11-15 kWh battery packs churning out 180+ ft-lbs of torque – allowing aggressive climbing and acceleration even on dirt trails and rough terrain. Blending brawny performance with four-figure price tags, it attracts outdoorsy and adventurous riders who want silent electric drivetrains amplifying their experience of remote landscapes…without noise pollution.

9. Pursang – $7.7 Million

This Spanish electric motorcycle firm established in 2018 focuses narrowly on the commuter market. Its E-Track model delivers a modest 22 horsepower motor and 80 mile range – but for just $5,600. Pursang has found success pairing inexpensive prices with distinctive styling popular locally and across southern Europe.

Funding from investment firm Keiretsu has allowed Pursang to keep innovating features like removable batteries and mobile app integration. The ability to adapt models quickly based on customer feedback in its geographical cluster gives Pursang an edge and its revenue growth potential is robust.

10. Lightning Motorcycles – $5.3 Million

Last on our list in terms of current revenue but hardly least on ambition is Lightning. The brainchild of entrepreneur and EV racer Richard Hatfield, Lightning’s central goal since founding in 2006 has been building the world’s fastest production electric bikes.

Its LS-218 model delivers on that goal with a maximum speed of 218 mph – putting it in elite company with the fastest gas-powered superbikes too. While its roughly $20,000 price tag limits broad consumer appeal, innovations like the LS-218 seed public passion and interest in electric performance done right. This halo effect benefits the whole industry.

Recent Electric Motorcycle Innovations

The EV motorcycle domain continues to demonstrate impressive progress as new technology gets integrated across model lineups:

• Battery chemistries now allowing 160+ mile real world range – and charging systems delivering 80% replenishment in around an hour

• Motors and controllers achieving 200+ hp equivalency to match gas performance

• Smart hardware like cameras, radars, haptic sensors and AI algorithms improving safety and collision avoidance

• New electric-native brands like Damon stealing mindshare from legacy makers

• Falling battery prices allowing more affordable electric models under $10K

The Future of Electric Motorcycles

The next 6 to 18 months will witness accelerating innovation as global EV sales are projected to grow another 50-70% annually. Key developments to watch for include:

• Mainstream makers Yamaha, Honda etc following Harley‘s push towards full electrification

• Expanded fast charging infrastructure removing range anxiety barriers

• Next-gen solid state batteries delivering 2X+ capacity for longer range

• Growing market for electric dirt bikes and other niche recreational vehicles

• Potential battery swapping models for long haul routes

• More branding and segmentation of e-motorbikes for different audiences

While electric cars understandably capture the lion’s share of public attention, electrification of motorcycles and other 2-wheelers will be equally crucial to reducing emissions and oil dependency in the global transport sector. As legendary rider Robert Pirsig wrote in Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: “The test of the machine is the satisfaction it gives you.” Judged on this metric, the electric motorcycle industry is riding high – and working hard to soar even higher.

Summary of the Top 10 Electric Motorcycle Manufacturers Today

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do EV motorcycle manufacturers produce their own batteries?

It‘s a mix. Some like Zero Motorcycles develop proprietary battery tech while others source from established lithium-ion suppliers like Panasonic. As next-gen solid state batteries near commercial viability, more motorcycle makers are investing in R&D around chemistries and integration.

2. Should I insure an electric motorcycle?

Yes, electric motorbikes are covered under the same insurance policies as gas bikes. Premiums may cost less given lower maintenance costs and accident rates associated with electrics. Always confirm exactly what protection a policy does or doesn‘t include before purchasing.

3. Does Tesla produce electric motorcycles?

No. While Tesla exclusively focuses on electric cars and energy products, Elon Musk has hinted a Tesla motorcycle may happen eventually given the efficiency and performance upside of electric powertrains.

4. What is the average price for an electric motorcycle?

Prices currently range widely from around $2,500 for basic electric mopeds and scooters to over $20,000+ for high performance electric superbikes. The average cost for an full-size electric motorcycle suitable for highway use is approximately $15,000.

5. What is the average speed for an electric motorcycle?

It depends on the bike class and model specs, but average electric motorcycle speeds fall between about 60 to 85 mph, with high end models exceeding 125 mph. Acceleration and handling rather than raw top speed is often the bigger selling point. Even entry level electrics offer quick 0-60 times under 6 seconds.