Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has been the first truly successful automaker mastering the battery-powered engine, now a company based in Italy, plans to repeat the success in the superbikes. Energica, Modena-based firm, will offer battery-powered superbikes, which are all about looks and raw speed.
America key market for Energica
Energica is already preparing for a series of demonstration rides for which it bought few executives and motorcycles to the Bay Area. Chief technology officer of Energica, Testoni feels that their customers do not look for electric scooters, but are more passionate for motorcycles and high-tech.
Energica expects to sell 500 Egos in the first year followed by 1,200, and 5,000 units in the following years. According to CEO Livia Cevolini, the break-even point is selling 2,000 bikes annually. Energica is part of CRP Group, founded by Cevolini’s grandfather half a century ago. CRP manufacturer’s custom high-tech parts for Formula One and other racing disciplines.
“We felt it was time for CRP to be known for a specific product that showcased what we can do, but it couldn’t be a car, because that’s who our clients are,” says Cevolini. “After a few years of testing (one-off) electric bikes at races, we knew this was it.”
Like Tesla, Energica plans to open boutiques in San Francisco and New York, and consider Motorcycle-loving America, a key market.
Tesla inspiring battery powered bikes
It’s a smart move from the bike company considering the niche that Tesla has carved for itself, in the Silicon Valley backyard, according to a report from USA Today. Similar to Tesla Model S, the Ego from Energica is an expensive machine, and can touch 60 mph in three-seconds.
The entry-level version of Ego costs $40,000 while limited-edition Egos equipped with advance parts is priced at $67,000. Some of the impressive features include high-end touches such as Marchesini aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes and Marzocchi and Ohlins shocks. In comparison, a top-of-the-line gas-powered Ducati Superbike 1199 Panigale S costs $25000. The special edition of Egos will be available by the spring of 2015, and a standard model a few months later.
Seeing the success and popularity of Tesla, even high-end electric motorcycles are trending. Harley-Davidson’s Project LiveWire electric motorcycle is already in testing phase. Also, Lightning Motorcycle of San Carlos, Calif., introduced its fast Lightning Superbike LS-218, where 218 stand for the bike’s top speed.