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KTM plans to produce an electric off-road motorcycle within two years.

KTM says it already has a prototype that weighs 200 pounds, develops approximately 35 hp, and can run for 40 minutes before recharging.

KTM says the most important aspects of the project were that the machine have high power output, low weight and as long a range as possible using today’s technology. Now, after extensive testing, the project has moved from concept to series development.

Restrictive rules on noise and pollution emissions make all-terrain activity illegal in many parts of Europe, including KTM’s home country of Austria. Production of a no-emissions powered two-wheeler would allow the company to sell bikes to a larger group of riders.

“As an innovative and market leading company, KTM must continuously look into new ways with which to power our sport motorcycles,” says KTM director Harald Plöckinger. “The zero-emissions concept mates our known competencies with a new highly interesting motor technology. We see emissions-free vehicles as offering the greatest chance to expand enduro sport to a wider and new audience in the mid- and long-term, and to perhaps even start a brand-new trend sport.”

KTM’s in-house research and development team worked on the project with Austrian firm Arsenal Research.

“Use of the latest in battery technology, a highly efficient electric motor, and the best components available integrated into the drive system make up the cornerstones for realization of this motorcycle concept,” says Franz Pirker of Arsenal Research. “Use of a virtual simulator to design and test the concept made it possible to work out all of the bugs without first building the components into a test mule. This so-called ‘hardware-in-the-loop-simulation’ makes it possible to develop such a vehicle quickly and in the most cost-effective way possible.”

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