KTM subsidiary Husqvarna Motorcycles is making two big plays to enter the electric mobility segment, announcing over the past few weeks the launch of an electric scooter and an E-Pilen Concept electric motorcycle.
At the end of April, Husqvarna Motorcycles unveiled its E-Pilen Concept electric motorcycle, inspired by the design of the company’s successful Vitpilen and Svartpilen motorcycle models.
Designed as “a tantalising vision of what its future move into electric urban mobility will look like” the E-Pilen Concept “is a clear statement of that intent” boasting a power output of 8kW and a range of 100 kilometres.
Developed with the urban commuter and leisure rider in mind, Husqvarna Motorcycles says that the bike “maximises the time between battery charges” – highlighting just how much the concept bike is focused on that very specific “urban commuter and leisure rider”.
However, the E-Pilen Concept also features a modular and swappable battery system that allows the power pack to be exchanged – a potential game changing decision on the company’s part, as battery swapping becomes an ever more exciting future possibility.
Of course, the Concept is just that, a concept of what Husqvarna Motorcycles’ future e-mobility range might look like. At the time of announcement, the company promised that its e-mobility range “is already well-advanced and further information will be released in the near future,” a promise which was delivered just last week.
Husqvarna Motorcycles announced last Thursday the launch of its first electric scooter (pictured at the top of the story), which is aimed at the urban commuter and can deliver a top speed of 45km/h and offer a range of up to 95 km.
Designed to be a “compact, stylish, and effective personal transport solution” the Vektorr Concept electric scooter, along with the E-Pilen Concept, will both be on display at the PIERER Mobility AG special exhibition in the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen, Austria. The company will also be displaying the Bltz Concept scooter, a standing electric scooter that the company says will offer “rapid transit from A to B in busy city environments in a noise and emissions-free package.”
Exactly when we might see these models actually available for purchase is unknown at this point, but Husqvarna Motorcycles is driving hard its e-mobility range and will need to bring something to market soon if it’s to be taken seriously in the quickly growing market.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.