CURRENTS

eTRIUMPH:

TE-1 ZERO EMISSIONS MOTORCYCLE UPDATE

Sound the charge! A collaborative effort by Triumph Motorcycles, Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG at the University of Warwick is on track and meeting or exceeding the objectives announced at the start of the TE-1 project in May 2019. Focused on developing specialized electric motorcycle technology and innovative integrated solutions, this unique collaboration is funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles in the UK and is ready to pay off with globalized solutions.

“The completion of Phase 2, and the promising results achieved to date, provide an exciting glimpse of the potential electric future and showcase the talent and innovation of this unique British collaboration,” says Triumph CEO Nick Bloor. “Without a doubt the outcome of this project will play a significant part in our future efforts to meet our customer’s ambition and desire to reduce their environmental impact and for more sustainable transportation.” Best of all, it ensures Triumph will be on two wheels well into the future.

“This important project will provide one of the foundations for our future electric motorcycle strategy, which is ultimately focused on delivering what riders want from their Triumph; the perfect balance of performance, handling and real-world usability, with genuine Triumph character,” Bloor adds. With the reveal of the innovative advanced electric powertrain and battery and the first styling sketches for the final Project TE-1 Prototype, Phase 2 of this landmark four phase collaboration in British design and engineering reaches a successful conclusion (see cover). Including innovation in battery and powertrain design, initial test performance results far exceed the current benchmarks and industry targets.

Test results show significant innovation in mass, battery technology, and powertrain performance that exceeds the target set by the UK Automotive Council for 2025, meeting the project’s ambitious objectives to deliver genuine innovation for a new standard in fully usable electric motorcycle performance. Project TE-1 is funded by the UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).

BRP SHOCKER

BRP has announced an ambitious 5-year plan and $300 million investment in the EV space. “In support of our 5-year plan towards adding electric vehicles to all of our product lines, we are creating an Electric Vehicle Development Centre in our hometown of Valcourt, Quebec, Canada,” announced BRP CEO José Boisjoli. “This facility’s focus is energy: the charger and the battery pack, in addition to its complete integration into the vehicle itself!”

The plan calls for BRP to deliver electric models in each of its product lines by the end of 2026. “We have always said electrification was not a question of ‘if’ but a question of ‘when’. We are very excited to unveil more details of our plan to deliver market-shaping products that will enhance the consumer experience by offering new electric options,” Boisjoli notes. “We are leveraging our engineering know-how and innovation capabilities to define the best strategy for developing electricpowered products,” he added.

After evaluating several concepts, BRP made the electrifying decision to develop its Rotax modular electric powerpack technology, which will be leveraged across all product lines enhancing the consumer experience by offering new electric options. To achieve this, BRP is also expanding its Rotax electric power unit development infrastructure in Gunskirchen, Austria concurrently with the EV Development Centre in Quebec.

“We are thrilled to create our EV expertise centre, taking steps into the world of electrification,’’ said Bernard Guy, Senior VP, Global Product Strategy. “Experts on our EV team will feel the agility of a startup environment but will benefit from BRP’s financial resources and state-of-the-art equipment to design our in-house technology,” he added.

EV HISTORY FOR BRP

In early 2019, BRP acquired assets of electric motorcycle manufacturer Alta Motors and commercialized the Rotax Sonic E-Kart — which is currently in operation at the Rotax MAX Dome in Linz, Austria. A few months later, it showcased e-concepts at Club BRP 2019 to give a glimpse of what the future could hold for both its current product lines and for other potential segments. BRP President and CEO José Boisjoli actually rode a Can-Am/Alta EV motorcycle onto the stage. BRP has produced several batteryelectric, hybrid-electric and even fuel cell-electric vehicles over the years. However, this new announcement brings BRP’s electric journey further into focus, with a clear vision and firm plans to roll out its electric products. Beyond Valcourt, this path to electrification has become a global initiative.

As a direct result, the R&D team is expanding at warp speed, and BRP is actively recruiting as it charges forward in its next phase electric propulsion technology development. With involvement from Quebec, Austria, Finland and the United States, BRP’s top talent worldwide, including hundreds of engineers and specialized technicians, will work together to develop and produce electric vehicles at BRP. Could a Can-Am motorcycle be coming back as an EV? Stay tuned…

The Fuel Loan Program Is Here The One Stop Shop For Powersports Financing

Rates from 4.99% • 100% Paperless • Fast funding Now financing Slingshots and Can-Ams

Call (239) 315-7535 for more information. FuelCapitalGroup.com

HUSQVARNA eREPLICA

Husqvarna Motorcycles is expanding its partnership with electric balance bike manufacturer STACYC to offer two racer replicas – the Husqvarna Motorcycles Replica 12eDrive and 16eDrive. Better yet, the balance bikes will be available exclusively from authorized Husky dealers. Here is the chance to capture the next generation of Husqvarna riders with entry-level enjoyment while encouraging the development of essential riding skills.

Featuring three selectable power modes, as well as a nonpowered coast mode, both versions enable younger riders to safely progress at their own pace. Helping to develop hand-eye coordination, balance and throttle control, with a run-time of up to 60 minutes they offer long lasting pleasure while also encouraging extended outdoor fun. Fast recharging leaves little time to rest.

The smallest model in the range, the Replica 12eDrive, is intended for 3-5-year-olds. Combining coast mode, where no power is transmitted to the back wheel, with its low 13-inch seat height and 12-inch wheels, the basic skills of pushing and coasting can quickly be learned. Taller or more confident 4-8-year-olds can start with the 16eDrive featuring a more powerful, high-output brushless motor. Together with a 17inch seat height and much larger 16-inch wheels, capable of handling rougher terrain, at higher speeds.

AMERICAN LANDMASTER CHARGES INTO EV SPACE

American Landmaster is set to deliver its new lithiumpowered UTV to dealers by mid-May. Equipped with an AC motor, powered by a single 105AH lithium battery pack, the American-made Landmaster EV delivers 45-mile max range with the standard battery pack and 500 lb. bed capacity. “We were ready to launch something big, and at prime time for spring,” says marketing director David Piercy. “This is it!

“If you thought the ride experience and suspension was nice in our L7 gas-powered model, you’re going to love it even more in our EV,” he adds. “When we had our sneak-peak event last Summer dealers stated that one of their favorite models was our lithium-powered EV.” The goal was to produce a robust electric-powered machine that reduces the worry of running out of battery. “With this machine, we’ve done just that. Longer range, longer lasting, and highly capable of doing everything you do with a gas-powered model. And even better, is the remarkable price.”

The EV is built on the same chassis as the L7 flagship product’s proprietary independent rear suspension system (LROSS1). “We are combining the smooth ride of the L-ROSS* suspension system, the powerful torque of an AC motor, and cleanly packaged 48V lithium-ion battery cell, allowing the all new American Landmaster EV machine to quietly maneuver over different terrain,” explains lead engineer Jordan Miller.

American Landmaster will be the first OEM in the marketplace to offer this kind of technology and affordability in an electric side-by-side model. Partnering with two of the industry’s leaders in lithium technology and AC motors, Landmaster has been able to move quickly to advance their product to the marketplace… and that is just the beginning. An upgraded Extended-Range 160AH battery pack, increasing the range to 65 miles, is set for later this summer.

SHIFTING GEARS

Harley Hires CEVO

In early February Harley-Davidson announced it was establishing a separate electric-vehicle division complete with its own leadership team. Effective April 1, ex-Bain exec Ryan Morrissey joins The Motor Co. bringing more than two decades of disruptive technologies experience to his role as CEVO (Chief Electric Vehicle Officer). Most recently as head of the Automotive & Mobility practice in the Americas for Bain, he focused on the long-range transition to electric vehicles and autonomous fleets.

“Ryan has extensive experience with leading OEMs, working on building businesses to develop, commercialize and support electric vehicles,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “I’m excited to have him join the team to help us lead in electric. As we announced in February as part of The Hardwire, we’ll be talking more about our electric strategy later in the year.”

Morrissey began his career at Lutron Electronics, as the U.S. sales lead for their first generation of software-based control systems for energy management. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

TWISTED DISTRIBUTING

DEALER DEMO PROGRAM

Looking to create a demo vehicle in your dealership? We can help!

March 2021 only promo! Sign up for the demo program in March and receive an EXTRA 5% off dealer cost! (total of 15% discount for March only)

Contact Dealers@TwistedDistributing.com to get started and be sure to mention Dealer News March!

Barkbusters JET Handguards

DENALI D7 Light Kit DENALI T3 Switchback Signal Pods

Demo Program Features:

• 10% discount off dealer pricing on products purchased for demo unit • Customers see in person examples of products mounted on vehicles • Makes selling vehicle upgrades easier than ever before • Move older units by increasing value for the customer • Show new unit buyers what is available for their type of vehicle

• Provide extra margin when selling the demo unit • Close on the accessory sale before delivery and finance as a package

DRYSPEC H35 Side Case Set

SW-MOTECH Upper & Lower Crash Bars SW-MOTECH Skid Plate

*Qualifying order required. Discount off regular dealer price.