Ducati's Electric Motorcycle Now Features Tomorrow's Battery Technology | Carscoops

      This unique prototype features the same QuantumScape battery cells that future VW vehicles will utilize.

      The prototype motorcycle is based on the racer from the Moto E World Championship.

      QuantumScape’s battery incorporates a lithium metal anode and a ceramic separator.

      VW has collaborated with QuantumScape on solid-state batteries for over ten years.

      While electric motorcycles have not gained popularity to the same extent as electric cars, their development has not halted. The VW Group is actively testing advanced solid-state battery cells in a specially modified Ducati superbike, showcased at the IAA Mobility event in Munich. These cutting-edge battery cells have the potential to transform both the motorcycle sector and the broader automotive industry.

      Ducati, a subsidiary of the VW Group, is the exclusive supplier of bikes for the MotoE World Championship, placing it at the forefront of the market. However, its racing bike currently falls short in weight compared to its internal combustion engine counterparts and does not offer sufficient range. This is where solid-state battery cells come into play.

      A Prototype With A Purpose

      An updated version of Ducati’s V21L prototype was unveiled in Germany, now featuring 980 QSE-5 cells from QuantumScape. These cells, with their lithium metal anode and ceramic separator, promise substantial advancements in energy density, rapid charging capability, safety, and lifespan compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

      Solid-State Technology for Motorcycles and Cars

      The Italian manufacturer did not disclose the weight of the solid-state battery in the special V21L prototype or the bike's range. However, if this technology can be refined, it may eventually be used in a street-legal production motorcycle. In the upcoming months, the solid-state technology will continue to undergo testing, and the motorcycle will be taken to the racetrack.

      “At Ducati, we have a long history of pushing the limits of technology to enhance the riding experience on both the road and the racetrack,” stated CEO Claudio Domenicali. “Our dedication to innovation has enabled us to achieve remarkable results, including six consecutive MotoGP Constructors’ titles. The high energy density provided by solid-state technology is ideal for high-performance vehicles like sport motorcycles.”

      The partnership with QuantumScape is longstanding, as VW has been working with the California-based battery company for more than a decade, aiming to integrate solid-state cells into production vehicles. Therefore, the Ducati testbed serves not only as a motorcycle project but also operates as a mobile laboratory for advancing next-generation electric mobility.