When discussing the future of mobility, the debate often centers around electric engines versus combustion engines. Some assert that internal combustion, thermal engines (ICE) are on their way out, while others argue they will never disappear or cease to be predominant. There are also those who believe the technologies must coexist.
Currently, the motorcycle industry is seeing a proliferation of fully electric models and different concepts, such as a hydrogen-powered motorcycle from Kawasaki, showcased to fans during the Suzuka 8 Hours last weekend. In recent years, hybrid models have also started to appear.
Despite incentives and strong investments from manufacturers in eco-friendly technologies, including synthetic fuels, traditional combustion engines still dominate (as is the case with cars).
Electric motorcycles require different chassis designs and also come with batteries that are still relatively heavy and bulky, despite rapid technological advancements. Moreover, they currently do not allow for long-distance travel, being mainly suited for urban commuting and short distances.
Conversely, combustion engines are becoming less polluting thanks to technological advancements in their architecture and the development of synthetic fuels, which are gaining traction, particularly in racing. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is another cleaner alternative — recently, the Bajaj Freedom, the world’s first motorcycle running on this type of energy, was launched.
So, what does the future hold? Will we see a world solely with electric motorcycles, or will thermal engines continue to have their place? In a recent interview with MOW Mag, Aprilia Racing’s CEO, Massimo Rivola, shared his thoughts on the matter. The Italian engineer supports a coexistence between conventional and electric vehicles:
– No, electric is not the future. But electric is also the future. This is the clear spirit of today [Vmoto Proday 2024]: to explain that the two worlds can easily coexist. Of course, if we talk about competition and sport, we cannot think that electric will supplant thermal. But if we talk about urban mobility and certain types of travel, then certainly electric is better than thermal. We need to integrate and live together.