Electric motorcycles have proven themselves worthy city vehicles, with the same ride quality as internal combustion bikes, and they’re definitely easier to ride than gas-powered bikes, with no clutch and no shifting to learn. But until solid state battery technology is widely available, electric motorcycles won’t be the most practical purchases for the road.
While almost anyone can learn to ride an e-moto, for now they can’t ride very far. “Even the biggest battery bikes can’t return more than 120 miles per real-world charge,” notes Jonathan Klein at Ride Apart, “So you end up with a heavy motorcycle with a big battery that takes forever to charge and still won’t get you all that far.”
Motorcycles were made for tours on country byways and long rides on the freeway. The current lithium ion batteries that power electric motorcycles aren’t up to the job yet, relegating most e-motos to relatively lower-speed, lower-range city cruisers. If that’s what you’re after, there are some excellent options from independent companies. The big makers are mostly backing off, for now.
That doesn’t mean that current e-motos aren’t excellent in their own way. In the dirt, for example, e-motos like the Stark Varg and its competitors are carving out a space that’s largely unaffected by concerns about long range. But street bikes still cost too much to be particularly useful given ranges of less – sometimes far less – than 100 miles per charge.
The fully electric BMW CE 02 goes for around $8,500 (for the premium package) and gets 25-35 miles of range per charge
The Limitations of Traditional Lithium-Ion Batteries
Weight, Energy Density & Energy Storage
Traditional lithium-ion batteries have served as the heart of electric vehicles for years. While effective, lightweight, and efficient, they come with a range of limitations that hinder their performance and safety in electric motorcycles.
One of the primary concerns is energy density. Lithium-ion batteries tend to be heavier and bulkier than their solid-state counterparts, which can adversely affect the motorcycle’s weight distribution and handling. Increased battery weight and bulk make agility and performance a challenge.
Additionally, increased weight can lead to a reduction in overall efficiency, as more energy is required to move the heavier vehicle. In general, street bikes with batteries large enough for ranges of 100+ miles are cumbersome and inelegant, at best.
Charging Time & Charging Availability
Charging times for these batteries are also less than optimal. Most lithium-ion batteries require several hours to charge fully, limiting the usability of electric motorcycles in long-distance travel scenarios. This extended downtime can be frustrating for riders who are accustomed to the quick refueling times of traditional gasoline-powered bikes.
Furthermore, the availability of charging stations can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas, making it challenging for riders to take journeys without careful planning. NACS chargers are not standard on electric motorcycles, complicating charging scenarios in unfamiliar areas.
What Are Solid State Batteries?
Solid state batteries and lithium-ion batteries are both examples of secondary batteries, or batteries that can be recharged several times over. Both work similarly, charging and discharging via a cathode and an anode, with an electrolyte interface between the two poles that transmits lithium ions.
However, as the name suggests, a solid state lithium battery uses only solid components in its makeup. Since its electrolyte is solid, it does not require a separator between the cathode and anode – a significant point of failure in some lithium-ion batteries.
Considered to be the next generation of battery technology, solid state batteries are characterized by high energy density, long lifespans, and fast charging times, and they can withstand lower and higher temperatures than conventional batteries because their solid state electrolytes aren’t susceptible to thermal runaway.
Advantages of Solid State Technology in Electric Motorcycles
Solid state batteries represent a revolutionary shift in energy storage technology. Unlike traditional batteries, they use solid electrolytes, which brings numerous advantages to electric motorcycles.
One of the standout benefits is the increased energy density. This higher energy storage capability allows manufacturers to design lighter and more compact battery systems without sacrificing performance, ultimately enhancing the motorcycle’s design and usability. As a result, riders can enjoy a sleeker profile and improved handling, making electric motorcycles not only more efficient but also more appealing to a broader audience.
Moreover, the lightweight nature of solid state batteries can lead to enhanced acceleration and agility, which are crucial for motorcycle enthusiasts. With less weight to carry, these motorcycles can achieve higher speeds and better maneuverability, providing an exhilarating riding experience. This aspect is particularly appealing for those who enjoy sport riding or navigating through urban environments where quick responsiveness is key.
Enhancing Range with Solid State Batteries
Motorcycles are great commuters, but they’re also – sometimes primarily – used as travel and adventure vehicles. Longer ranges are essential for the widespread adoption of electric road bikes.
Range anxiety has been one of the biggest hurdles for electric motorcycle adoption. However, integrating solid state batteries can significantly extend the range due to their superior energy density.
Samsung has manufactured a 600+ mile solid state EV battery. Toyota has been developing 600+ mile EVs in Japan, with plans for a solid state battery that travels up to 900 miles. It won’t be long before this technology is cheap enough for solid state motorcycle batteries to become affordable and widely available.
Some companies are already exploring the range and performance benefits, pushing the boundaries of innovation in electric motorcycles. BMW, for example, has promised a solid state prototype by 2025.
As manufacturers continue to optimize solid state technology, the market will likely see a surge in high-performance models with these groundbreaking batteries.
The 5 Best Electric Motorcycles of 2024
Safety Improvements: Solid State Batteries vs. Traditional Li-ion Batteries
Safety is a paramount concern for any vehicle, particularly for motorcycles where riders are more exposed to hazards on the road. Compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, solid state batteries offer essential safety improvements that cannot be overlooked.
One significant difference is the risk of thermal runaway. While traditional lithium-ion batteries can ignite if overheated, solid state batteries feature inherent thermal stability due to their solid electrolyte structure. This reduces the risk of fires, making electric motorcycles significantly safer.
The transition to solid state battery technology could lead to greater consumer confidence in electric motorcycles, encouraging more riders to make the switch from gas to electric. Increased safety will undoubtedly enhance the overall appeal of electric motorcycles.
Solid State Batteries Free Electric Motorcycles for the Freeway
The Ryvid Anthem is an amazing street bike with freeway-ready ride quality. But it only gets about 28 miles per charge.
While safety is always a concern, the need for solid state batteries in electric motorcycles is driven primarily by the range-vs-weight limitations of traditional lithium-ion systems. Solid state batteries will make electric motorcycles as useful as their gas counterparts, without requiring the gas, or the shifting, or the maintenance requirements of a traditional motorcycle drivetrain.
From improved safety and enhanced performance to extended range, solid state batteries represent an essential advancement for the future of electric motorcycles. While BMW has no fear of making expensive things that shouldn’t exist, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha are smart to wait until the battery technology catches up.
A motorcycle’s real hidden super power has always been that you get a cheap vehicle with a power to weight ratio of a Lamborghini and unfortunately, current lithium ion tech makes that impossible. Electric motorcycles can’t fully come into their own on the road until they’re powered by lighter, more energy dense solid state batteries.