Market maturation of the first electric superbike with digital technology for tuning control and improved safety

Project Information

e-SPECS

Grant agreement ID: 855570

DOI

10.3030/855570

Project closed

EC signature date 30 January 2019

Start date 1 February 2019

End date 31 May 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

FUTURE ELECTRIC APS
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - e-SPECS (Market maturation of the first electric superbike with digital technology for tuning control and improved safety)

Reporting period: 2019-02-01 to 2019-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The electric motorcycle industry is still lagging behind its electric cars counterpart, mainly due to (i) much lower pressure to reduce emissions (emissions norms applied to motorcycles are currently significantly less strict than for cars, and are expected to remain as such at least over the next 10 years) and (ii) strong barriers for traditional ICE-based OEMs to move into electric technology (which means a radical shift in terms of design & engineering, production facilities, marketing & sales). Yet, high-performance e-motorcycles already represent a large market potential (estimated in the order of €900M) with expected fast growth (anchored on drivers related to environment, technology/performance, and reducing costs) – providing an opportunity for start-ups to take the lead on a blue ocean market space.

Fenris is a Danish start-up company focused on high-performance electric motorcycles. The company has developed, and road tested two electric superbikes (e-superbike) prototypes and is now entering the serial production and commercialization.

Fenris product will bring to market at motorcycle that are zero emission and will be safer than current motorcycle technology. Fenris Motorcycles will in this way not contribute to man made climate change and create a safer environment for riders and road users.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

RESULTS:

Market: A thorough analysis of the relevant markets for electric type approved L3e-A3 motorcycles was undertaken, with a detailed characterization of key segments for commercial exploitation of our technology showing that there is a clear demand for the product and still room in the market for new players

Supply Chain: Strategic partnering with leading industrial suppliers, distribution partners, and dealerships was secured, providing the ground to undertake the planned large-scale demonstration tests of Fenris Motorcycles’ product through homologation and type approval

Design for Manufacturing: We have demonstrated the technical feasibility of Fenris Motorcycles’ RL150RR model and shown significant technical development progress throughout the phase. 1 period on the Drivetrain, Safety systems, Steering mechanism, User interface, and Visual design of the vehicle

IP: The overview on the existing IP landscape was updated in collaboration with our patent lawyer showing that there are no immediate threats that could limit Fenris Motorcycles freedom to operate. We also conclude that there is an opportunity for continuing the expansion of Fenris Motorcycles’ patent portfolio accordingly to the available budget

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

We have during the phase.1 updated the battery pack and made it 30% more energy dense than the earlier prototypes made by Fenris. This will make it possible for Fenris to launch a product that has the same performance as internal combustion motorcycles.

With the positive EU expansion in charging infrastructure, general acceptance of EVs from customers, and a strong push from legislation bodies, cities and civil society to improve air pollution, crowding in urban areas, and to fight climate change, we can see that there is a need for the Fenris product to make the transition to electromobility. Another very positive trend is that massive investments in battery production supply chain is forcing the battery cost down, consequently making it possible to make cheaper EVs, lowering the entry barrier for the general public to access EVs.