Ducati revealed the full specifications for the V21L MotoE prototype.
The MotoE project is unveiled in a video in which the team that supervised its creation and followed its development illustrates the prototype. Finally, we also get some of the specification revealed.
Ducati was initially announced as the MotoE sole supplier, back when the Italian manufacturer had no prototype electric debut (yet) and was revealed as the racing series partner for MotoE from 2023 to 2026, taking the place of Energica.
It didn’t take long for Ducati to unveil the V21L prototype, in Misano Circuit where it made its debut, and where Dorna Sports first announced the agreement in October. The V21L model will only be available for MotoE racing.
Ducati’s V21L will compete in the FIM MotoE World Cup starting in 2023, in which Bologna-based Ducati will be the sole supplier with 18 bikes on track each race weekend.
MotoE has strategic significance for Ducati since it creates a platform for developing expertise for the future while maintaining the approach that has always driven the DNA of the Bologna-based manufacturer: trying out technological solutions in racing and making sure that whatever is developed in this area can then be transferred to motorcycles destined for Ducati enthusiasts everywhere.
The V21L Specifications:
The mix of Ducati’s expertise, passion and work of the MotoE team has brought to life an electric motorcycle with some unique solutions. Starting with the battery pack, which on the Ducati MotoE weighs 110 kg and offers a capacity of 18 kWh with a 20kW charging socket integrated into the tail. Inside are 1,152 cylindrical cells of the “21700” battery type. The V21L stands at a curb weight of 225Kg total.
The power inverter, carrying a weight of 5 kg, is a unit derived from a high-performance model used in motor racing for electric vehicles, while the motor (21kg weight and a peak 18,000RPM) was developed by a partner following the technical specifications provided by Ducati. The entire system is based on 800V (with a fully charged battery pack) to maximize the output of the electric powertrain and increase performance and range.
The power unit generated a peak power of 110kW, equal to 140Nm torque and 150 HP. The measured speed on-track was at 275 km/h.
One of the most advanced technical solutions tested on the Ducati MotoE concerns the cooling system. The prototype components are in fact cooled by a sophisticated liquid system with a double circuit designed for the thermal needs of the battery pack and the motor/inverter unit.
Cooling and heat dissipation has always been a key factor in maintaining the motor performance during racing and high performance. The Ducati cooling system guarantees maintained temperatures with benefits of consistency in performance but also in charging times. In fact, it is not required to wait for the pack to cool to start charging: the Ducati MotoE can be charged as soon as it enters the garage, and it takes about 45 minutes to recharge it up to 80% of its range.
The carbon fiber case of the battery also acts as a stressed part of the chassis. The rear is composed of an aluminum swingarm weighing only 4.8 kg with a geometry like that of the Ducati Desmosedici racing in MotoGP. The rear subframe, which integrates the tail and the rider seat, is made of carbon fiber as well.
The suspension features an Öhlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork with 43 mm diameter upside-down tubes at the front, similarly to the Superleggera V4, with an Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber at the rear, fully adjustable. The steering damper is also an adjustable Öhlins unit.
The braking system supplied by Brembo is sized for the requirements of the Ducati V21L for MotoE. Front composed of a double steel disc, 338.5 mm of increased thickness. Two GP4RR M4 32/36 calipers with a PR19/18 radial master cylinder operate on this double disc. At the rear, a P34 caliper operates on a single disc unit 220 mm in diameter and 5 mm thick with a PS13 master cylinder.
MotoE Teams can also choose to equip their bikes with an optional rear brake control positioned on the left handlebar, which the rider can use as an alternative to the pedal one.
Ducati’s CEO, Claudio Domenicalli commented with great enthusiasm for the coming future of the company as they make the transition towards electric motors and models. Ducati V21L is a presentation of the company’s investment in their R&D into electric motorcycles, to create a high performance motorcycle without compromise on weight and agility.
“A few weeks ago I had the extraordinary opportunity to ride the Ducati MotoE on the track and I immediately realized that I was living in a historic moment. The world is going through a complex period and environmental sustainability is an element that all individuals and all companies must consider a priority if we want to preserve the delicate balance of the planet.”
Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO
In addition, Ducati will be the MotoE racing series sole manufacturer, will allow them to further invest into developing a machine fit for the roads, with the known performance and ride experience provided by current Ducati models.
The company will continue to invest and develop their MotoE models, to optimize a street legal, production line model.
As Ducati, we have grasped this need and we went in search of a challenge that would allow us to contribute to the common goal of reducing CO₂ emissions and at the same time to keep faith with our DNA linked to racing. We agreed with determination to develop the most performing electric racing bike that current technology makes possible and to use this project as a laboratory in which to build our future. The result we have achieved is surprising. As soon as I sat on the bike I realized the quality of the work done by the team and when I returned to the garage I felt a deep sense of pride for what we were once again able to achieve”.
Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO
Check out Ducati’s full “Tech Talk” Video:
Source: Ducati