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Energica Ego in the driving report

Limited electric bike with power

With a dynamic howling noise, enormous torque and a posh look, the Energica Ego proves that electric motorcycles are definitely good for emotions.

Slow and ugly – this is how electric motorcycles are anchored in the minds of many motorcyclists. “That’s why we built a super sports car right away,” says engineer Livia Cevolini, head of the manufacturer Energica from Modena. "Our E.nergica Ego is fast and beautiful, as it should be for an Italian superbike. ”And done professionally, because behind the new manufacturer is the CRP Group, an Italian Formula 1 supplier who uses its innovative laser-sintering material Windform for 3 -D printing uses. The first prototype of the Ego, which MOTORRAD was able to drive last year, was also created largely in 3-D printing.

Energica Ego in the driving report

Limited electric bike with power

Energica Ego, which will be launched next spring. With components from Brembo, Marchesini, Marzocchi and Ohlins as well as a carbon cladding, it looks like a normal, albeit exclusive, super sports car. In the saddle, the normal impression changes quickly. This is mainly due to the enormous continuous torque of 195 Newton meters, which is applied continuously from the start up to 4700 rpm. Accelerating has seldom been so sparkling: Simply turn on the tap and the ego hisses off as if stung by the wild bumblebee. No coupling, no shifting slows down the forward drive. Just full pressure, accompanied by a low-frequency howl that the developers created on purpose.

Impressive weight of 258 kg

A sticking point is the impressive weight of 258 kilograms. 111 of these go to the account of the lithium-ion batteries, which, together with the water-cooled power electronics, are located under the dummy tank. They drive the oil-cooled electric motor that sits above the swing arm bearing. In wide corners the heavy Energica Ego is wonderfully stable and steers very precisely, on narrow country roads it becomes rather stubborn and requires a lot of power. Not least because of the high center of gravity caused by the fat battery pack. Maneuvering, on the other hand, is child’s play, because there is now a reverse gear that was missing on the prototype last year.

The mappings in the easy-to-read TFT cockpit offer the usual choice between several driving modes. In addition, the recovery of energy via the brake can be set. If you switch off the recuperation function, the simulated engine brake is no longer necessary and the Energica Ego suddenly feels like a two-stroke engine. So there are entertaining gimmicks on the go. ABS was not yet on board in the test machine, but should be part of series production from the start. The Ego is then also fully networked, with internal memory for measured values, integrated GPS receiver and Bluetooth communication.

How far does the Energica Ego go?

The most important thing remains: How far will the electric superbike get? After a 30-kilometer test drive, the charge indicator is almost 80 percent. The Energica Ego should cover around 150 kilometers, assuming a cautious driving style. According to the manufacturer, charging only takes a good 20 minutes at fast charging stations, but it takes three and a half hours for AC systems.

Despite its professional design and the emotional driving experience, the Ego will initially remain a toy for a few exclusive customers. The high price of 30,000 euros plus VAT alone will ensure this.

Technical data Energica Ego

Manufacturer

After 150 kilometers, the Energica Ego needs new energy. This takes a good 20 minutes at a quick charging station, otherwise over three hours.

Energica ego

engine
Oil-cooled permanent magnet AC synchronous motor with recuperation function, lithium-ion battery, 11.7 kWh, automatic transmission, reverse gear.
Lifespan: 1200 charge cycles at 80 percent charge
Charging times: 3.5 hours with alternating current, a good 20 minutes with direct current
Output: 100 kW (136 hp) between 4900 and 10,500 rpm, 195 Nm between 0 and 4700 rpm
Top speed: 240 km / h
Range: 190 km at 60 km / h, 150 km at 80 km / h, 100 km at 100 km / h, 50 km on the racetrack

landing gear
Steel tubular frame, aluminum two-armed swing arm, upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm, fully adjustable, Ohlins shock absorber, fully adjustable, floating double disc brake at the front, Ø 320 mm, radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers, disc brake at the rear, Ø 220 mm, Double piston caliper, direct drive via chain.
Forged aluminum wheels: 3.5 x 17 v / h
Tires: 120/70 ZR 17; 180/55 ZR 17

measurements and weight
Wheelbase 1465 mm, seat height 810 mm, weight 258 kg.
Colors: pearl white / green, matt black
Price / additional costs: 30,000 euros plus VAT, available from spring 2015

Interview Livia Cevolini (Head of Energica)

Manufacturer

Livia Cevolini (35) is the boss of the manufacturer Energica. The dynamic Italian also runs the Formula 1 supplier CRP in Modena with her brother Franco.

Why are you building an electric motorcycle?
Cevolini: Because we are convinced that electric mobility is the future. We want to be there from the start, with a high-quality product.

The Energica Ego currently has a range of around 150 kilometers. Isn’t that not enough?
Cevolini: We are counting on the fact that there will be many quick charging stations soon. Then it only takes a good 20 minutes to charge. That’s how long many motorcyclists take their time to stop for fuel today.

What is it that convinces you that electromobility will prevail??
Cevolini: Today electricity is available practically everywhere. In contrast to petrol, which first has to be brought to the filling station, the electricity is already there. Then why not use it too??

The Energica Ego costs 30,000 euros plus VAT. How do you intend to make that attractive to customers? 
Cevolini: Our motorcycle is currently clearly a luxury product. Electrical engineering is still very expensive, but as production increases worldwide, prices will fall. Then of course we bring models at lower prices. 

But first you build the special model Energica Ego 45 for 50,000 euros. Why?
Cevolini: I was surprised myself, but we had numerous requests for an even more exclusive version. And if the customers want it, why not? The Energica Ego 45 also offers an Ohlins chassis with a fork from racing, an integrated fast charging system and other extras. We only build 45 of them.

How many basic models of the Energica Ego do you want to produce?
Cevolini: In the first year 500, mainly for the USA, Germany and Northern Europe. Production will start next spring.

There is no risk of a high loss of value for the customer?
Cevolini: Unfortunately, there is no empirical value for this, the technology is too new. Maybe one day the first electric motorcycles will be worth as much as the first gasoline-powered cars, but maybe not. We build the Ego 45 especially for customers who fear the loss of value, because it is a collector’s item.

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