Harley-Davidson has set up a new, independent electric motorcycle brand called LiveWire, which will facilitate the development of new electric vehicles from establishments in Silicon Valley and Milwaukee.
Not to be mistaken as Harley-Davidson’s own LiveWire electric motorcycle that is on sale now, the new LiveWire brand is its own company that will design and build future electrified models.
LiveWire will initially work with the Harley-Davidson’s dealership network before opening dedicated showrooms, though LiveWire admits it will benefit from Harley-Davidson’s “engineering expertise, manufacturing footprint, supply chain infrastructure and global logistics capabilities”.
The first LiveWire model will debut at the International Motorcycle Show in July, however, a single image on the new brand’s website appears to show an updated version of Harley-Davidson’s current electric offering.
In a recent press release, Harley-Davidson boss Jochen Zeitz confirmed that there will still be future Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles built alongside LiveWire’s models.
“By launching LiveWire as an all-electric brand, we are seizing the opportunity to lead and define the market in EV,” said Mr Zeitz.
“With the mission to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world, LiveWire will pioneer the future of motorcycling, for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond.
“LiveWire also plans to innovate and develop technology that will be applicable to Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles in the future.”
The current Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric bike is priced from $49,995 rideaway, with its proprietary powertrain offering 235 kilometres of riding range and a zero-to-100km/h time of three seconds.
See our review of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire here.
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.
