Moto-e: Energica selected as one-make manufacturer

Italian electric bike manufacturer Energica has been selected as the one-make factory supplier for MotoGP’s new electric support class, set to make its debut on the grid at selected rounds of the world championship from 2019.

The new series, set to be headed by former Michelin MotoGP boss Nicholas Goubert, will run tuned versions of the firm’s Ego road bike, which produces 145bhp and is capable of 150mph, with a road range of around 80-100 miles.

And with the Italian firm built around racing, CEO Livia Cevolini says that they’re excited to discover the potential of the machine under racing conditions.

“We are proud to have been chosen by Dorna and we are already committed to this project. The passion for engines is what brought us here, to build new dream vehicles right in the beating heart of the Italian Motor Valley, Modena, Italy. We took the electric field to another level: each Energica undergoes quality control and performance tests, and our R&D department is always focused on new technologies and their practical application.

“Our history comes from racing, our passion for this sector has never faded. Moto-e is an excellent project. After all, it is what we hoped since our racing years, now it can be managed professionally thanks to Dorna and its unique and long-lasting experience.”

However, the bike already has some racing experience in the hands of MCN’s road tester Adam Child, who competed at the 2017 Isle of Man TT on one in the TT Zero class, completing a lap of the 37.73-mile course at an average speed of 78.848mph.