Ducati Advances Electric Future: V21L Prototype Showcases Solid-State Battery Progress

Ducati has taken a significant step forward in electric motorcycle technology with the unveiling of its V21L prototype equipped with solid-state batteries. The prototype was presented at the IAA Mobility event in Munich, highlighting Ducati’s ongoing research into alternatives to traditional internal combustion engines. This project is a collaborative effort involving Volkswagen Group companies, including Audi and PowerCo. The V21L has served as Ducati’s testbed in the FIM MotoE World Championship, gathering valuable performance data from 18 riders over three years.

This extensive testing has enabled Ducati to reduce the weight of the battery pack by 8.2 kg through improved cell design. Despite this progress, Ducati acknowledges that battery weight and range still pose challenges before electric superbikes can compete on par with combustion engine models. Solid-state batteries, with their higher energy density, could enable lighter and more compact battery packs that still provide the necessary power and range for high-performance riding. Ducati’s current focus is on building in-house expertise in this technology to be ready to launch an electric motorcycle that upholds its brand’s performance and quality standards once the technology matures.