ducati has unveiled a prototype of its electric sports bike, the v21l. one of its main features is the adoption of a solid-state battery. this is the first time that volkswagen group's new battery technology is being tested on a motorcycle rather than a car.
the v21l boasts a power output of 150 horsepower and a top speed of 273 km/h, making it highly regarded as one of the fastest electric motorcycles. it is equipped with a 980-cell quantumscape qse-5 battery pack featuring lithium metal anodes and ceramic separators. its energy density is 844 watt-hours per liter, and it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes.
compared to the conventional 18kwh battery (1,152 cylindrical 21700 cells), the new system is more compact, lighter, and faster. this project involves not only ducati but also volkswagen group's subsidiaries audi and powerco.
on the circuit, motorcycles equipped with solid-state batteries are expected to deliver excellent performance due to their stable output, reduced weight, and faster charging speeds in the pit stop. however, it is estimated that it will take at least 4 to 5 years before this battery enters mass production.
