You can add Norton Motorcycles to the list of manufacturers developing at least one electrically powered motorcycle. The newest Norton Motorcycles iteration will bring an electric motorcycle to market that they say will have both range and performance. Norton calls their plan to build an electric motorcycle “Project Zero Emission Norton.”
融资的发展
Norton begins their design efforts with funding from the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Center (APC). Formed in 2013, the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) is a 10-year partnership between industry and government. According to APC’s website, it plans to invest £1 billion to accelerate the development of low carbon propulsion technologies.
To qualify for funding, companies must compete to be selected. Norton has won an unspecified amount of money to begin the development of their electric motorcycle. Norton simply says they “…will begin developing electric motorcycle in the UK after winning significant investment…”
So what will the new electric motorcycle look like? Well, it’s far too early to know, but Norton promises they “…will refine the traditional Norton design DNA, but with modern twists introducing industry-leading innovations and digital solutions.”
Development partners
To help with the development, Norton is partnering with several companies. The team includes Delta Cosworth, HiSpeed Limited, Formaplex Technologies, M&I Materials, INDRA, and academic partner WMG (The University of Warwick). According to Norton’s press release, they “…will be working alongside these partners to develop world-class technology and products that will enhance the UK supply chain for all the critical components in electric vehicle (EV) technology including batteries, motors, chassis, cooling oils and vehicle to home chargers.”
Specifically, each partner will be responsible for specialized elements of Norton’s electric motorcycle’s design, development, and production. Delta Cosworth will design the battery pack. HiSpeed Limited will bring its electric motor design and manufacturing skills. Formaplex Technologies will contribute its expertise in precision composites manufacturing. M&I Materials will provide support in the application of dielectric cooling oils. INDRA will provide its expertise in vehicle-to-home charging technology. Finally, WMG (The University of Warwick) will help with battery technology, modeling, and toolchain development.
Norton Motorcycle comments
About the new project, Norton’s CEO, Dr. Robert Hentschel, said:
“This significant funding investment is a momentous milestone for the brand as it marks the beginning of our electrification journey and fulfilling our ten-year product plan. Norton is an exemplar of modern luxury and unafraid to challenge the status quo, innovating for the future of mobility while staying true to our British heritage. It also brings into focus our desire to support the UK in its mission for a net-zero automotive future. Working alongside our world class partners, we’re confident that project Zero Emission Norton will eliminate the current dispute between a conventional and electric motorcycle to create EV products that riders desire – motorcycles that blends Norton’s uncompromising design DNA with racing performance, touring range and lightweight handling.”
APC comments
Also commenting about Norton’s to-be-developed electric motorcycle, Ian Constance, the Chief Executive of the APC, said:
“The projects receiving today’s investment highlight the breadth of technologies needed to help the UK accelerate to net-zero emissions. They’re reimagining not just vehicles, but transport in general. Norton is an iconic British brand with a proud history. From making motorcycles to supporting the Second World War effort to developing the world’s first production superbike, they are now looking to the future with an electric bike that will deliver both performance and range radiating from a UK manufacturing base and strengthening highly-skilled jobs and green growth.”
Norton did not specify when we could expect to see their new electric motorcycle. But if Triumph’s TE-1 electric motorcycle is any measure, it could take at least four years before we see Norton’s new machine. Triumph announced its TE-1 program in mid- 2019. They now say that the TE-1 has successfully completed final testing, and full details on the bike will be released on July 12, 2022. So if all stays the same, we can potentially see Norton’s electric motorcycle sometime in 2026.
Motorcycling’s future
Norton’s move into electric motorcycles is further evidence of where the motorcycle industry is headed. The “Big 4” Japanese brands and some European manufacturers have entered into consortiums to plan motorcycling’s future. They are making it clear that whether we like it or not, the future for motorcycles is electric.
