Ducati Advances Electric Research, Unveils V21L Prototype with Solid-State Batteries
Ducati‘s research into alternative technologies to internal combustion continues even as the FIM MotoE World Championship is on hiatus at the end of the 2025 season. The Ducati MotoE project was initiated to build in-house expertise, preparing the company for a time when battery technology would allow for an electric road bike that aligns with the manufacturer’s values.
During its time in the MotoE World Championship, Ducati collected a vast amount of data from the 18 riders on the grid. In three years of development, the battery pack of the V21L prototype saw a weight saving of 8.2 kg. While this is a notable reduction, it is still not enough to make an “electric MotoGP” as light as an internal combustion racing bike with an adequate range.
To address this challenge, Ducati is collaborating with Volkswagen Group companies on various research and development activities. A key area of this research is a study on solid-state batteries, which was presented at the IAA Mobility in Munich. On September 8, the first prototype of the V21L was showcased at the IAA Mobility. This prototype is equipped with
QuantumScape solid-state batteries and was developed in collaboration with Audi and PowerCo. This V21L prototype marks a significant step in development and confirms Ducati’s ongoing commitment to researching alternative technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Ducati continuing its electric research?
A: Ducati’s electric research continues to build internal expertise in alternative technologies, preparing for the eventual creation of an electric road bike that meets the company’s standards. The research is ongoing despite the FIM MotoE World Championship being on hiatus at the end of the 2025 season.
Q: What is the V21L prototype?
A: The V21L is an electric motorcycle prototype developed by Ducati. The first prototype, equipped with QuantumScape solid-state batteries, was presented at the IAA Mobility in Munich as part of Ducati’s ongoing research into alternative technologies.
Q: How is Ducati’s research related to the Volkswagen Group?
A: Ducati is working with companies within the Volkswagen Group, including Audi and PowerCo, to study and test new technologies for creating battery packs with higher energy density. A study on solid-state batteries was presented at the IAA Mobility in Munich as part of this collaboration.
Q: What is the main challenge Ducati faces in developing electric motorcycles?
A: A significant challenge is reducing the weight of the battery pack while maintaining an adequate range. Although the V21L prototype has seen a weight saving of 8.2 kg, it is still not light enough to be comparable to an internal combustion racing bike with a sufficient range.
You can add more to this story by commenting below.
