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The motorcycle business can typically look like the forgotten man on this planet of zero-emissions transport.
While firms reminiscent of Harley Davidson are ploughing forwards with electrical bikes, there are many different producers who’re dragging their toes with transferring away from inner combustion engines (ICE).
However, storied British motorcycle producer Norton has just lately gained funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) to assist begin its transfer over to electrical energy. Auto Futures caught up with Norton CEO Robert Hentschel to seek out out extra.
A Changing Landscape
“The world is electrifying, which is why it is incredibly important to have a plan besides the internal combustion engine – we all must look ahead,” says Hentschel.
“Demand for electric motorcycles and EV mobility solutions has become internationally significant and the UK has its own net-zero ambitions. Whilst motorcycles are not currently considered within the 2030 ban timeframe, there is an increasing focus on alleviating pressures on mobility infrastructure: pressures like congestion, and parking, as well as the overarching air quality concern.”
As a results of that surging demand, Norton utilized for, and gained, “significant investment” from the APC. With that funding, Norton has created a brand new 30-month undertaking to create an electrical motorcycle that blends Norton’s historical past with racing efficiency, touring vary, and light-weight dealing with.
“Securing the APC19 funding now has meant we can lead the electrification journey through our ‘Project Zero Emission Norton’; a project that aims to expand our ever-growing engineering capabilities and develop world-class electric motorcycles,” explains Hentschel.
Describing the funding as a “momentous occasion” for the corporate, CEO Hentschel, believes that the undertaking will put Norton within the driving seat for bike electrification.
“As a brand, Norton Motorcycles has innovation and design at its heart, and the funding will allow us to inject this integral part of the company’s DNA into the production of a world-class electric motorcycle, as well as evolve the capability for EV development in general,” he explains.
However, transitioning the corporate from ICE to EV won’t be simple.
Skills and Training
“There is a recognised skills shortage in the UK and Project Zero Emission Norton intends to address this issue,” explains Hentschel.
Of course, that ability scarcity just isn’t distinctive to the UK. However, upskilling a workforce is a really totally different proposition for Norton in comparison with giant multinational firms reminiscent of Volkswagen.
“There is a race for talent with this emerging skillset, and with our position in the marketplace, we feel comfortable we will succeed. One element of continuing this journey is to train our people: transforming their mechanical background into an electrical and mechatronic one. We have the ability to train and upskill our employees, whilst at the same time building a global facing supply chain from the UK in the context of this funding,” says Hentschel.
“Providing jobs and upskilling opportunities is a major focus for Norton and we have invested significantly in our team. In the last year alone, we have created more than 150 new jobs, with a further 250-300 direct jobs and another 500-800 indirect in the supply chain predicted over the next three years. Part of the job provision expansion also includes growing the apprenticeship programme with local education industries to provide career opportunities for the local community.”
However, Norton isn’t working alone in its efforts. As a part of Project Zero Emission, the corporate is working with an unlimited vary of companions to make sure its bikes, and its workers, are as much as the duty.
“All our world-class partners share the same vision for innovation in the production of electric motorcycles and they are the leaders in their field,” says Hentschel.
“Delta Cosworth will design the battery pack, while HiSpeed Ltd. will bring motor and inverter design and manufacturing skills. Formaplex Technologies has expertise in precision composites manufacturing, and M&I Materials will support on applications of dielectric cooling with its MIVOLT fluids. Indra Renewable Technologies specialises in revolutionary vehicle-to-home charging technology, and WMG, University of Warwick, majors on battery technology, modelling, and toolchain development.”
The general objective of the undertaking is to not produce a motorbike that may be a radical departure from Norton’s present choices. Despite the swap from ICE to electrical requiring a big rethink for the corporate, Hentschel believes it isn’t the proper time to start out throwing infants out with the bathwater — historical past has to depend for one thing.
Building the Electric Norton
“As a brand, Norton Motorcycles has innovation and design at its heart, and the funding will allow us to inject this integral part of the company’s DNA into the production of a world-class electric motorcycle, as well as evolve the capability for EV development in general,” Hentschel says.
“The goal is to produce an electric motorcycle that bridges the gap between an EV and ICE, making it comparable with the same weight, performance, and real-world touring range through deep integration of battery, motor, and chassis, alongside extensive use of composite materials to create a lightweight solution.”
Of course, we’re nonetheless two-and-a-half years away from seeing what an electrical Norton would appear to be in follow however, in keeping with Hentschel, it ought to be some machine.
![Norton V4sv](https://preview.autofutures.tv/2022/07/04153337/Norton-V4SV.jpg)
“It will be a vision of modern luxury that has been beautifully designed to not only excite existing riders but also inspire new ones. Our aim is to build a range of electric products that blends Norton’s design DNA with uncompromised performance, touring range, and lightweight handling.”
Looking to mix these three points is unprecedented territory for an electrical motorcycle, in keeping with Norton. When the funding was introduced, the corporate proclaimed:
“Electric products to date offer either range or performance, as the weight and size of the battery compromise vehicle design. However, using the extensive engineering and design experience within the Norton team, this project looks to eliminate that compromise while simultaneously delivering race performance and touring range.”
We’ll have to attend and see whether or not Norton can dwell as much as its ambitions.
Promisingly, although, the corporate won’t must fully retool its manufacturing line to accommodate the brand new bikes.
“Our production line is flexible and can be adapted to suit the production of various vehicles, including electric motorcycles,” explains Hentschel.
“There will be some equipment adaptations required to suit the production of electric motorcycles, along with the acquirement of new equipment for the production of cells and battery packs. However, this equipment will complement our existing facilities to enable the production line to remain flexible.
More to Come?
Of course, while Norton is working on developing an electric motorbike, it won’t completely abandon its ICE bikes.
“As an automotive manufacturer, we are aware of our responsibilities to support the UK government in its mission for a net-zero automotive future,” says Hentschel.
“In the meantime, we have recently launched and opened order books for our reengineered V4SV superbike. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Solihull was the base for this project.”
“Our new V4CR prototype revealed at Motorcycle Live in 2021 received exceptional customer feedback. New models require 30 to 40 months of development from concept to delivery, which is why our shorter-term objective is to maintain production continuity by re-engineering and developing existing Norton models. Then, in the medium term, will come all-new designs that will re-define the Norton brand.”