Norton Motorcycles has secured ‘significant’ government funding for development of a new fully electric Norton model, the British bikemaker has confirmed.
The “ambitious” Zero Emission Norton project will be undertaken with help from several UK manufacturing partners as it aims to build an electric motorcycle that delivers ‘racing performance’ and a riding range suitable for touring.
“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,” said Norton Motorcycles chief executive officer Robert Hentschel in a press release.
“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 [electric vehicle] products that riders desire – motorcycles that blends Norton’s uncompromising design DNA with racing performance, touring range and lightweight handling.”
Since Norton Motorcycles was acquired by new owners TVS Motors in 2020, the company has promised at least two new models – the fully faired V4SV and naked V4CR – and has indicated that it may also revive previous projects like the range-topping V4RR and Atlas middleweight.
Rivalling British bikemaker Triumph has something of a head-start on Norton as it recently finalised testing of its TE-1 electric sportsbike, which will debut in prototype form on July 12, at which point the company will divulge key information like performance figures, range and charging time.
Newer companies like Energica, which exclusively build electrified vehicles are also gaining traction globally, with a number of production models set to hit local showrooms before year’s end.
Earlier this month, Energica revealed its new Experia adventure tourer ($49,214), which is expected to offer more viable riding range and charging times than previous electrified models.
With the largest battery capacity of any electric motorcycle, according to the brand, the Energica Experia (260kg) is capable of 420 kilometres of riding range in urban areas, or 246km in long-distance conditions, and can sprint from zero-to-100km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds.
Harley-Davidson’s electric spin-off brand LiveWire recently revealed a new production model, the S2 Del Mar, however there are currently no plans for it to be launched locally.
Norton Motorcycles has not indicated when we may see its first electric motorcycle, though it will surely be some years before the final product materialises.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
