- Ducati and Volkswagen unveil the world’s first solid-state battery motorcycle at IAA Mobility in Munich.
- Prototype V21L promises lighter weight, faster charging and real performance potential.
- A breakthrough that could finally convince riders to embrace electric motorcycling.
At IAA Mobility in Munich, Ducati became the first motorcycle maker to roll out a solid-state electric prototype, putting theory into throttle. Partnering with the Volkswagen Group, Ducati unveiled a modified V21L race bike (Ducati’s MotoE racer) powered by QuantumScape’s breakthrough solid-state lithium-metal battery—a world first for two wheels.
This wasn’t simply a concept mocked up for a show stand. Executives from QuantumScape, PowerCo (VW’s battery division), and Ducati presented the bike as a real-world proof of what’s possible. Built with QSE-5 cells using QuantumScape’s Cobra production process, the battery promises performance as yet seen from an electric motorcycle: energy density of 844 Wh/L, the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just over 12 minutes, and a 10C continuous discharge rate. And while there was no mention of range during real world riding or even racing, the general consensus is that this is the next step. In short, it’s the kind of leap forward that should make electrification viable for motorcycles, where weight, range, and charging time have, until now, been deal-breakers.
QuantumScape CEO Dr. Siva Sivaram described the moment as “crossing the threshold from possibility to reality,” while Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali made the connection to the brand’s sporting heritage, noting that the high energy density and responsiveness of solid-state technology finally feels like a fit for performance motorcycles. For riders used to the visceral character of combustion, that’s no small claim.
The fact that the Volkswagen Group chose to launch the new battery technology within the format of a racing Ducati brought a bit of sexiness and passion to what is otherwise a difficult segment with which to invoke excitement – batteries. And while the new technology is likely to make the prospect of useable electric motorcycles with decent range and fast charging a reality in the future, there’s no doubt that the tech will have much bigger implications for the car segment of the Volkswagen business, where they suffer with the same problems and range anxiety and safety concerns.
Ducati’s solid-state prototype hints at a future where concerns about heavy batteries, limited range, and long charging times could be put to rest. A lighter pack, faster charging, and more consistent power delivery could mean electric motorcycles that not only keep pace with petrol bikes, but potentially surpass them on track and road alike. It’s hard to imagine at the moment, but there’s no doubting that’s what the manufacturers are aiming for.
For Ducati, they state that the project is only beginning. The V21L solid-state prototype will continue testing under racing conditions, while Volkswagen pushes ahead with its Unified Cell platform to bring this technology to production vehicles later this decade. But one thing is clear: this may be the breakthrough that finally gets motorcycle buyers to rethink what electric riding can be.
If Ducati’s bet pays off, who knows, the quiet hum of instant torque could soon be as desirable to riders as the thunderous growl of a Desmo twin. And that, in itself, could signal the start of a whole new era for motorcycling.
You can watch a video of the launch below.
